1862 Confederate Civil War Officer Letter Barksdale's Brigade Fredericksburg
Doherty, who served as quartermaster of the Mississippi brigade of General William Barksdale. It was written only days before the Battle of Fredericksburg, in which Barksdales Brigade would play a major role. In the letter Doherty expresses his concern about Federal advances near his familys home at Yazoo City, Mississippi. The Mobile he refers to was a steamer outfitted with iron plating and tasked with protecting the Yazoo River from Union naval advancesit was scuttled in May 1862. He concludes that there will be hot times there, but I think the enemy will be repelled. Doherty writes that he wished Jim was with him, then lists the amenities in camp that could be shared, including two tents, good chimney, a pipe or even a cigarcoffee & sugar, plenty of flour and beef and occasionally pork, turkey, &c. Two weeks ago had over two hundred thousand dolls in my tent. Doherty reports that General Barksdale would be getting a furlough, and expresses frustration that (in the third person) the poor devil of Q. Master cannot now get to Richmond. We will scarcely have a fight here, he writes. Burnside has had his game blocked before he got well started. He adds that Robert E. Lee is too quick for Burnside and he will never be able to cross the River near here.
As yet another indication that no fighting was expected, Doherty describes how details of one man per company had been sent home to Mississippi to source clothing. Near the close of the letter Doherty describes the mood in the brigade. All in good spirits and the Brigade can holler louder than any in the service, and is always so doing. Doherty would continue as quartermaster of the Mississippi brigade through at least the fall of 1864, serving both Barksdale and his successor, General Benjamin G.
The letter was written on three pages covering two separate sheets of blue writing paper measuring about 7 3/4 x 9 3/4. Very good condition with light foxing and toning. Creased at the original mailing folds. Also included is the original postal cover with a rare 10-cent Confederate Thomas Jefferson stamp with Richmond postmark. My Cousin (Charles) has just arrived from Richmond with a good long letter from the Fairy & the Q. She is well and contented and has but one wish, of course, to see her Honey. Miss Elliott is a very nice lady and Doll has hopes of remaining there after Jany 1st. I hope very much she may be able to do so. The works on the Yazoo, if properly constructed, ought to be able to repel any enemy. McFarland is a good man for that position and I think will throw some energy into affairs, and not wait for lazy red-faced naval officers. I have not so strong fear about Yazoo & the State generally as some of [illegible] proper. But many have shown to [be] given to work, work, work and many have men should be at the point of danger and labor. There will be hot times there, but I think the enemy will be repelled.Dont be alarmed about property, unless thats in the River. If you desire to remove anything in the place, let Mr. I will order any transportation you or Ma desire. I will be writing to him in a day or two again and will so order.
I hope you have re-engaged Mr. He ought to be retained at any cost. I would like to see the poor negroes in these times properly looked after by all means. I wish Jim would write. He ought to be here tonight.
Has his two tents, good chimney, a pipe or even a cigarcoffee & sugar, plenty of flour and beef and occasionally pork, turkey, &c. Barksdale is thinking of getting a furlough. They talk too fancy for the Q. Genl and he is down on them.
We will scarcely have a fight here. Robert is too quick for him and he will never be able to cross the River near here. Fountaine [Barksdale] is much depressed by the sad news from home. I feel sorry for him with so many misfortunes. He has written frequently, he says, and ought to do so for he has all the facilities of my tent always.
The General & all are in excellent health. The weather is quite cold & snow on the ground. Details (of one man) home have been made from each Co to go to Missi. Hamel will go from Hamel Rifles. I wanted Blake White to be sent as Col.
White wished, but the detail had already been made, which I was absent and I could not ask to have it allowed if I could. If you can see him he will tell all about us. I never saw that bundle that you spoke of.
I want to see you all dreadfully bad. I must try hard for a furlough in March. My regards to that General. If he will come here tell him there are plenty of ponies to ride and drivehe can drive a.Tell me all about the Mobile and the River defenses. Dont forget this, and please pretty write promptly, and tell me all about yourself and Ma. If Bones will come here, we will make him fat.
I want to see you to tell some of our good jokes and then kiss you! Thats a good joke always for me. Love to Ma, Jim, & all friends & the little folks. With a great deal of love my dear Sister. Please see my other items for more interesting Civil War letters, documents, and images.
The item "1862 Confederate Civil War Officer Letter Barksdale's Brigade Fredericksburg" is in sale since Friday, May 7, 2021. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Militaria\Civil War (1861-65)\Original Period Items\Correspondence, Mail". The seller is "iron-horse-sales" and is located in Champaign, Illinois.
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