73. JOSIAH GORGAS (1818-1883) Confederate brigadier general and Chief of Ordnance who, against tremendous odds, managed to develop the South's military manufacturing capability to the point where it proved self-sufficient and a formidable obstacle to Union victory. Scarce good content war-date manuscript L.S. "J. Gorgas" on C.S.A. War Department Ordnance Office letterhead, 1p. 4to., Richmond, Oct. 5, 1861 to North Carolina Gov. Henry F. Clark. Gorgas discusses the mining of the essential wartime commodity, lead. In part: "...The lead from the Silver Hill Mine will doubtless cost high; but it must nevertheless be worked and the lead obtained. Your caution is, however, not thrown away on me, and I will bear it in mind..." Toned spot and stray brush on ink, mounting strip on verso, else very good. The Silver Hill Mine was located about ten miles south of Lexington, and was often worked by slaves. $500-700