[ Autographs ] GIDEON J. PILLOW (1806 - 1878) Confederate major general, who fought at Belmont and was second-in-command at Fort Donelson from which he fled to avoid capture by Grant. Rare, good content war-date A.D.S., 1p. oblong 8vo., "Headquarters Army Tenn", Memphis, July 18, 1861 to Brigadier General Benjamin F. Cheatham in Union City. Early in the war, Pillow organizes urgently needed forces,in part: "...Organize Mississippi Infantry & Cavalry at once - They will be needed & if not organized cannot be used. Advise me when done,not later than Monday. Gid. J. Pillow Major Gen. Army Tenn.". Tiny spot of tape at top with a chip at upper-right, both well clear of allwriting, otherwise very good.