2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
War-date Confederate soldier Autograph Letter Signed, “Francis D. S.” 4p. quarto, Statesville, North Carolina, July 7, 1861, and reads in part: “...Basy failed to receive the appointment in Capt’s Regiment, which he desired, the place having already been filled...The Major had also been appointed in the 4th Reg. another place Absy expected. Ed. G. Haywood is the Capt’s Lieut Colonel. Absy is, therefore, stil lCapt. of the Iredell Blues - which is Company A of the 4th (Anderson’s) Regiment. He has not been home since; and has given up the idea of raising any other company or companies in this county...Since the Blues have been filled up; a great many who would have gone have refused to do so, because they cannot go in that company, whereas if Absy had a Field appointment he might influence them to go in some other company. Volunteering will stop in this state for a while, I suppose, as we have already organized & offered 6 Regiments...Capt. (or Col.) Campbell has been down about Raleigh for some time arranging his Regiment. He has about 7 companies and the remaining there will probably report themselves shortly. His camp will be in Alamance County at Graham Station...President Davis claims the right of appointing al lthe surgeons, adjutants, commissions & Quartermasters of Regiments, and as our troops are all now transferred over to him, we will have to abide by his regulations. The news has created quite a panic among all the staff officers all over the state. Bob Simonton expects to give up his place, commissary of the 4th Reg. without Davis reappoints him. A great many of the staff officers had gone to the expense of equipping & preparing themselves, and some of them are thoroughly digusted...Were it not for this surprising announcement of Davis’ - I think we could have gotten you a staff appointment in Campbell’s Reg....Be assured, Bill, that the whole thing shall be kept, as you desire, a profound secret. No one shall be any the wiser of disinterested, for, if I succeed in my own appointment, the arduous labors of my office would be lightened immeasurably by the pleasure of having you along in the same staff. We could live together, mess together, aid & assist each other in need, and by the Eternal! Fight together. Sincerely & candidly, Bill, of the whole world, you would be my first chocie as a ‘companion in arms’...I think -that is if the North sustain Lincoln in his terror - ifnusing message. Andrew’s Cavalry Co. had elected their officers before your letter reached me - his Bro. Jay is 1st Lieut. Dick Allison 2nd, and Turner (an Engineer) 3d...The last news from our friend in Texas is that they are all in good health., but everything scarce. Mat is anxious to come home, but is afraid to run Lincoln’s blockade. She is very much amued at the war. We are ll in good health at present. Some glorious news by teh train this morning from Va. but not creditied, Patterson’s surrender. I hope it may turn out true...” Some mouse chew, else VG.
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