Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) to Joseph E. Brown
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00508.12 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: Columbus, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 January 1861 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Marked copy but possibly a draft as it contains cross outs. Writes to the Governor of Georgia concerning the purchase of cannons from Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Virginia. Encloses a contract (not present; possibly GLC00503) made with Mr. J.R. Anderson & Co. for six 18 pounder guns and projectiles. Informs that James T. Ames Co. of Chicopee, Massachusetts is requesting an extension as he says he cannot have the knapsacks ready for delivery in the time stipulated in the contract.
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
5 Jany 1861
His Excellency
Joseph E. Brown
Governor of Georgia
[illegible]
Sir,
Your Excellency will find herewith enclosed a contract with [inserted: Mr] JR Anderson & Co. of Richmond Virginia for six eighteen power guns & projectiles for the same.
James T Ames of Chicopee [inserted: Mass] asks for an extension of the time of delivery of the Knapsacks & Rucksacks it is impossible to have them ready by the [struck: stipulated] time stipulated in the contract.
I respectfully report to yr Exly that a good maker of Saltpetre & sulpher [strikeout] [illegible] should be attended to without delay. Col. Wayne Can [struck: you] furnish all [illegible] to these articles.
I am
Your Excellency's
obt svt
Paul J Semmes [illegible]
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.