Morgan, John Hunt, 1825-1864 to Jefferson Davis

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GLC#
GLC02460.10.01-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
17 March 1864
Author/Creator
Morgan, John Hunt, 1825-1864
Title
to Jefferson Davis
Place Written
Richmond, Virginia
Pagination
3 p. : docket ; Height: 32.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm
Primary time period
Civil War and Reconstruction, 1861-1877
Sub-Era
The American Civil War

Morgan beseeches Confederate president Davis to return his former regiments to his command. Mentions Breckinridge's Regiment, Dortch's Battalion, and other units. On verso is a Davis autograph note signed (with initials), asking the adjutant general for remarks. This is followed by a April 16, 1864 note by Assistant Adjutant General Samuel W. Melton, who says that Morgan's claim to the troops is "absurd", but that it might be "politic to yield somewhat...."
[from Morgan's letter:] "...As Chief Ruler of the Confederate States and Commander in Chief of our Army allow me respectfully to call your attention to a Document sent in by me this day to the Adjutant General praying that certain Regiments raised by me or for me, and others that have for a long time formed part of my Cavalry Brigade may be again allowed to join my Command... To be separated from them after having seen so much hard service together would be a crushing blow to me and affect me more severely than I can describe."
[Davis's note:] "Adjt. Genl. for remarks &c. J.D."
[from Melton's note:] "absurd, to assert that General Morgan has any right to these men. He has a right to the grade of Brig Genl and a right to be assigned to the command of a force commensurate with his grade... The policy... in the matter is a different thing. These Kentucky troops are much devoted to the person of Genl Morgan. They are fighting for sentiment, in a great measure... in order to retain them in the service it is politic to yield somewhat to their sentiments for Morgan..."

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