Lot 173
Smith, Gustavus Woodson. Letter Signed ("GW Smith"). Signed as Major-General. Two pages, large quarto, Richmond, November 12, 1862. To General Robert E. Lee. Transmittal fold, else very fine.
With the Confederate Army still recovering from its losses at Antietam, troops and supplies were at a premium and the Confederacy was forced to shift men and material from one place to another, as described in this letter. "…The two Mississippi Regiments have arrived. The North Carolina regiments were started upon short notice, that there was not time to relieve the two detached Companies, and directions were given to retain them, until details to relieve them in detached service could be furnished from the Mississippi. In the mean time Small Pox has broken out in one of the Companies…I stated 'his (Gen French's) instructions are to protect Weldon Petersburg and the Railroad. I think he can do this at present with the forces he has. But a portion of this force must be sent to Wilmington in a few days'…" This letter was written in a retained portion of Smith's letterbook and the beginning of a letter to General Samuel Gibbs French at Petersburg is found at the end of the page "…The Secretary of War has requested me to ask your views in regard to the proper geographical boundary of the district above…"
Estimated Value $1,700 - 2,000.
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