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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) to Col. H.C. Wayne

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00508.10 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: Columbus, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 February 1861 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Semmes's retained copy. Encloses letters (not present) from Augustus Viele, Mr. Kemble, Captain J. G. Britons, and E.J. Dupont de Nemours & Co in Wilmington, Delaware. The letters concern the inspection of gun carriages and the shipment of powder, cannon and cartridges. Addressed to Wayne as Adjutant General, Milledgeville, Georgia.

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.

Columbus Ga
1 Fby 1861.
Colonel,
Your letter of the 26ult. acknowledging mine of the 21 ult. was duly recd.
I have you herewith enclosed a letter pf date 5 ult. from Aug. Viele Esq. of that Troy NYK in regard to gun carriages etc. & a copy of my reply thereto of the 14 ult.
Also, a copy pf my letter of the 14 ult. to Mr. Kemble Esq. Nyk. in regard to the inspection of the above gun carriages etc. and his reply of the 21 ult. thereto.
Also, [2] a letter from
Capt. J.G. Britons [struck: letter] of [inserted: date] the 3 ult. to Col. Hardee in regard to the inspection of field guns & projectiles at West Point foundry Cold Spring NYK.
Also, two letters from EJ DuPont de Nunous & Co. of Willmington Del. of the 22 & 23 ult. relating to the shipment of Powder, Cannon & [illegible] Cartridges, etc. & a copy of my reply thereto of the 31 ult.
Col. H.C. Wayne Very Respectfully
Adj. Gen. Your sert
Milledgeville Paul J. Semmes. Agl.
Ga.
[docket]
Letter to
HC Wayne
Adj.
1 Fby 1861

Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863
Wayne, Henry C. (Henry Constantine), 1815-1883

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