Description:

PAUL J. SEMMES
(1815 - 1863) Confederate brigadier general who commanded a brigade at Seven Pines and in the Seven Days, defended Marye's Height at Fredericksburg, and was killed at the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. Rare, fine content war-date A.L. (unsigned, as was often the case in his letters), 4pp. 4to., 'Camp near Fairfax C. H.', Oct. 8 [1861?], to his daughter Mary in Opelika, Al. in which Semmes actually threatens his commanding officer! Semmes opens his letter mentioning that he had written his wife and complains of heavy rains, describing his sodden boots and clothes. He continues: '...If I am to remain in Virginia in winter quarters, I shall want your Mother...to come to Va. and stay near me...I cannot say what will be done or where I may be ordered. ..I would dislike to go into winter quarters here - The the present state of inaction & uncertainty is very injurious to the service & the health of the troops...If we are to fight on this line soon, it must be in the next 4 or 5 weeks...John Murry[?] is dead. His Mother was with him. I dissuaded her from attempting to carry his remains home...' He gives other news of deceased, ill, and traveling friends, closing: '...Oh! how thankful I am for the continued preservation of my health & strength...[and] give me the energy...to perform my whole duty, which is an arduous one...I have found more difficulty, rather, in controlling my Regt., as I apprehended, since it joined the Brigade...If the General [Longstreet?] has the slightful disposition to interfere with my legitimate authority venture as the experiment! The army demands action, action!!!'. With postal cover (torn) addressed to his daughter 'Miss Mary Semmes'. Light toning in places, else very good.

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April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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