Raynors 2020-05 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/30/2020
War-date retained copy of an Autograph Letter Signed by Joseph Wheeler, Confederate General, 3p. Quarto, Hd. Qrs Cav. Corps. In the field, March 26, 1865, addressed to Colonel Edward Edwards Portlock (1840-1887) of the 24th Arkansas, as Assistant Inspector General, and entirely in his hand. It reads in part: "...it is generally understood throughout my command that when any man becomes tired of discipline or is about to be punished, if he will go to Genl. Forrest's command he is welcomed and it is impossible to have him returned to his proper command again. A thousand or more men have deserted to Genl Forrest and we never have been able to get a single one back. There are also a number of my men who have joined Genl Roddy's command and whom it is impossible to get back again. Inducements in the way of promotions or furloughs are offered to my men to desert and when officers are sent for them, they are hid & assisted in eluding the officers. In North Alabama there were a number of officers operating under an Order issued by Lt. Gen. Taylor authorizing the formation of 90 days organizations out of absentees from the Army & others which induced numbers of my men to desert their own Regts on duty near the enemy to go to those irregular & fancy organizations. In North Georgia by orders of Genl Hood numerous parties were left to operate on the Rail Road between Atlanta & Dalton. Some of these parties though ordered to rejoin their commands have preferred to obey the following, rather than my own orders…" Then included is a copy of Special Orders No 57 authorizing soldiers for temporary duty. Light damp stain, else VG. Unusual.
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