Lot 987

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WILLIAM H. T. WALKER AND PAUL J. SEMMES
WILLIAM H. T. WALKER (1816-1864) Confederate major general who commanded a brigade at Pensacola. Walker, a much admired leader, was killed in action before Atlanta. SEMMES IS TO ORGANIZE REGIMENTS IN GEORGIA, ELEVEN DAYS BEFORE SUMTER Excellent A.L.S. as major general, 3pp. 4to., 'Head Quarters 1st Div. Geo. Vol. Augusta Arsenal', Apr. 1, 1861 to Brigadier Gen. PAUL J. SEMMES (1815-1863), who would commanded a brigade at Seven Pines and in the Seven Days, defend Marye's Height at Fredericksburg, and be ultimately killed at the Wheatfield at Gettysburg. Only a few days before the bombardment of Fort Sumter, Walker issues 'Genl. Order No. 1'. In part: '...I have received general instructions from the Commander in Chief...It appears he has instructed you with reference to the requisitions to be made on the Quarter Master's Company and Ordnance Department...consulting the Army Regulations for '57...He says to me 'the Governor is anxious that your Division should be organised as soon as possible and...held in readiness for a call at a moments notice should circumstances require services in the field...it would be wise to devise some plan for the instruction of Officers...use all energy in perfecting the organization & discipline of your Division'...provide to the organisation of your Brigades...have the Companies organised into Battalions & Regiments &...give this your personal supervision & report progress to me...' Walker then lists the names of six men appointed to his staff...they will be when duty calls, & if we should be called out in the language of Genl Worth they will be 'in the saddle'...Please notify me who compose your staff...' On the verso of the last page appears a signed endorsement 'Recd. & ackd. 5 Apl. 1861' by Brigadier Gen. PAUL J. SEMMES who adds his rank as Brigadier General of Georgia Volunteers. Document bears a few tiny scattered holes which have been covered, a few toned spots (one slightly affecting Semmes' signature) and a damp stain at central fold clear of text. A superlative document from the very start of the Civil War demonstrating Georgia's rapid mobilization. At the time, Semmes was with the Quartermaster Department, but it is clear from Walker's comments that he was destined to soon command forces in combat. Of course, both Semmes and Walker would be killed in action during the course of the conflict.

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July 29, 2022 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

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