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 mortally wounded at the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. Extremely rare, poignant A.L.S., 'P.J.S.', 2pp. 4to., ‘Camp at the Shenandoah River', Clarke County, VA, June 23, 1863, to his wife, Emily. Semmes writes just over a week before Gettysburg, putting many of his affairs in order in the event of his death in battle, in part: ‘After writing you a letter this morning it occurred to me that I would be better to send you the enclosed papers for fear some accident may befall me – namely: A Certificate for the Burnt Cotton… 85 Bales of 450 pounds- 2 A receipt for two (2) mules taken by the Confederates, 3 Duplicate accs against the Confederate government for 44.50 for Bacon, Potatoes & Bread… In case of my death, you can place them in the hands of somebody for collection – One of the mules has been probably returned – If so, no pay should be received for this mule. We have orders to move tomorrow morning, & I don't know that we will tarry any longer this side of the Potomac. Abner & Thomas Cleveland are both well – Charles [?], you know, is a Commissary in my Brigade – of the 57 Ga Vol – I have nominated him to the Secretary of War a Brigade Commissary… He is a good Commissary, & it is important to have good officers in all departments. I offered him the appointment without him being precisely aware of my intentions… He is the best Commissary perhaps in the Division - & will answer me a good purpose. I enclose another flower from the same bunch given me this afternoon by Miss [?]. I have written today to Mr Walt to send my Life Policy when it expires the 30 July if not requested to the contrary before that time – the premium is a very heavy Tax, but I thought it best to renew it, although [?] able to pay the premium – I might die – the Chances are altogether in favor of my falling in action, & should this occur, you will have the little pittance of $5,000 cash for present use – Although the premium (nearly $400) falls very heavily on us, still I deemed it best under the circumstances to renew the Policy – If you do not agree with me, let me know at once – address your letter to Richmond…' Semmes continues in the margins of the first page: ‘Should I die, you will not forget that I have with me a note for $200 on Abner for borrowed money – You can call on him for the money – the note may never fall in your hands. Be certain not to forget this – He may remind you of it.' He adds another note in the margin of the second page: ‘May God save us all for Christs sake – Much love again to all…', and signs with his initials ‘P. J. S.', as typical of his letters. Shows original mailing folds and a few additional light folds, with a small chip to the top edge and a faint spot of soiling to one panel of the second page, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall. The timing of this prescient letter is especially significant: just nine days later, on July 2, 1863, Semmes would be struck in the thigh by a bullet while leading a charge across the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. He would be transported by ambulance wagon to Martinsburg, where he would pen a final letter to his wife, in which he mentions being accompanied by the Abner and Thomas Cleveland named in the letter presented here, but would succumb to his wound on July 10.

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March 27, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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