Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) to Joseph E. Brown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00508.05 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 December 1860 Pagination: 3 p.: docket ; 25.5 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Semmes's retained copy. Writes to the Governor of Georgia enclosing a copy of a letter to the Secretary of War and to Major Wayne (not present), the newly appointed Adjutant General of Georgia. The letters concern an attempt to purchase tents from the U.S. government. Advises that the tents be manufactured in Georgia under Wayne's direction as cheaply as possible and of good quality. Informs that he will report on the status of a proposed contract for 18 pounders to be made in Richmond, Virginia.
Semmes was a Georgia banker and plantation owner who served as agent for the State of Georgia during the preparations for the Civil War. He served as colonel of the 2nd Georgia in the Confederate Army at the outbreak of the war and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862. He was assigned to a brigade in McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps fighting in Crampton's Gap, Sharpsburg, Fredericksburg, Salem Church, and Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded.
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