Description:

JOHN T. MORGAN
(1824 - 1907) Confederate brigadier general of the 51st Alabama, he fought at Bull Run and Chickamauga, and harassed Sherman from Atlanta to Savannah. A compelling lot of two lengthy war-date A.Ls.S. from Morgan to Colonel Isaac E. Avery concerning Morgan's court martial for drunkenness in combat. The first A.L.S., 7pp. 4to., Atlanta, Georgia, July 20 , 1864, bears a full recounting of the battle in which Morgan was accused of drunkenness and reads in part: '...Since writing you today I have conversed with an officer who is familiar with the opinions prevailing at Genl. Wheeler's Head Quarters...it has been believed that the whole army was caused to fall back in consequence of my not having gotten the battery into position in time to check the enemy and that I did not get it into position because I was drunk...I would be exceedingly glad to have you present at the trial so that you could state the facts in the presence of the court...As soon as I rcvd. your dispatch requesting aid I mounted my horse and rode at a gallop until I joined you. I saw Col. Russell in person and urged him to bring out his equipment in front of the 3rd and 7th Ala. As rapidly as possible and I ordered the others to follow. On the way I sent two couriers...with urgent dispatches asking assistance...I left Capt. Forney there to show him where to dismount...and how to scout the position. You and I...met Col. Molone...I told him to dismount and retire his horses and take position so as to cover the ford that Col. Russell would form on his right...I ordered Moulden to dismount as many men as he could arm with guns, and I sent them out under Major Farrish to your rifle pits...While I was putting the troops into position, one of your courier's reported that the enemy was crossing the river on a pontoon...the firing was heavy and the enemy was shouting to us to halt and cheering as they came across the river, your line was broken...We then rode back towards our battery and met Major Farrish...I put him in position in front of the enemy and ordered him to check them until Russell could come to his support and sent a courier back to Russell to order him to come...I heard someone give the order...move out. I did not know whose...found the enemy in full possession of the south bank...and had complete control of the hill when the guns were planted...Capt. White came up rapidly from the rear and asked me who gave orders to the battery to retire. I told him I did not know...but that I approved it. He...urged me to withdraw the regiments on the left as the enemy were attempting to flank me on the right. I told him I had already sent a courier with these orders to Col. Russell and Major Farrish...I then sent Lieut. Bacon to those officers with the same orders. I then told Capt. White the orders I had given Lieut. Pugh and told him to see to the execution of them...I kept Col. Moulden in his position on the right and Capt. Hammock...in from the left...commenced withdrawing the other troops by the road, having sent Russell's...horses in charge of Capt. Forney to get behind the battery...I asked Pugh if he could reach the ground where the enemy had stopped...he thought he could not do so without danger...I declined to attempt it. You stated your opinion that it was hazardous to attempt a night attack...I was doubtful of success and on reflection...withdraw to camp and place out pickets...I sent orders to Russell to camp where the road leading to Calhoun crossed the creek...Russell did not obey...Genl. Masters conversed with you apart and I have no doubt questioned you concerning my condition. He had been previously informed that I was drunk as I learn by Col. Robins, who had not even seen me...I have stated these things as you know without any conference with you, and I have stated therein that you might be able to see how far I correctly remember what transpired...You will see...how important it is to me and to the officers and men on that field that your statements should be full on all the points...I have much proof...show that I was not intoxicated...It is to me of far greater moment that my children should have a fair and honest statement of the facts to refer to that that I should hold a brigadiers commission or should gain an acquittal by and management or sharp practice. Whether your statement shall acquit or condemn me it will never the less be recognized as impartial...'. Signed in full at the conclusion. The second A.LS., 7pp. 4to., Atlanta, Georgia, Aug. 3, 1864, reads in part: ‘...On the 20th July I sent you a copy of interrogatories to take your deposition in my case...not having heard from you I now send Lieut. Bacon with the original Ints. I think it most likely that your answers have been sent and have been in some of the delayed or missing mails...'. Morgan goes on to once again relay the events in question. Morgan concludes his letter with a final plea, in part: ‘...If you thought I was drunk and shall so testify I have nothing to advance against the opinion except the facts...My opinion is that I was far from drunk but I know that a man is but a poor judge of how far he is affected with liquor...I feel conscious of having done all that I could on that occasion...I trust Col. that you will pardon me for repeating that I am not attempting to impress a phase of the case favorable to my cause upon your mind but only to compose my remembrance with yours ...which may be important to my defence...'. Signed in full at the conclusion. He signs ‘Morgan' at the end of a postscript in which he informs Col. Avery his deposition would be before a Civil Magistrate of the Confederate States Army. Both letters are in delicate condition, displaying tears and slight paper loss at both the top and bottom margins. Although details are sketchy, following the Atlanta Campaign, Morgan's men pursued William T. Sherman's troops during the March to the Sea. Soon after, he was stripped of his command due to drunkenness and reassigned to administrative duty in Demopolis, Alabama. Fabulous historic content!

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August 15, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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