Williams, Charles J. (fl. 1860) to Paul J. Semmes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00572.16 Author/Creator: Williams, Charles J. (fl. 1860) Place Written: Milledgeville, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 November 1860 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Informs that the General Assembly has passed a bill appropriating one million dollars to buy arms for Georgia and that Governor Joseph E. Brown requests his help in carrying this out. Asks Semmes to go to New York or wherever he needs to in order to get the arms. Colonel Hardee will offer counsel. Stresses the urgency of this, stating that, "the importance of prompt action need not be urged on you. Your heart is in this matter of resistance and we must have the means of rigorous defense." Gives instructions for telegraphing reports. Year inferred from content. Williams enlisted as a colonel in the 1st Georgia in 1861; he died of illness the next year. "Colonel Hardee" was future CSA lieutenant general William J. Hardee. Before resigning his commission to join the Confederacy. Hardee was commandant at the U.S. military academy at West Point, NY.
Milledgeville 24th Nov.
My Dear General
I presume as a matter of course you are aware that a Bill has passed the Gent Assembly appropriating One Million of Dollars for the purchase of arm`. for the eole. In conversation with the Governor this morning he expressed to my his great desire that you would aid him in carrying out the news of the Legislature - He desires to approach you under the provisions of the law forthwith to proceed to New York or such other place in the United States as may be necessary and purchase such arms as in your judgment are needed. You will in this matter have the advantage of the aid and cousel of our old friend Col. Hardee of the Army, I trust you will let nothing less than Providential
,interference prevent your accepting the commission. It is necessary that it be done forthwith, the importance of prompt action need not be urged on you,
Your heart is in this matter of resistas e and we must have the means of vigorous
defence, Hardee will wait for you until Tuesday next if you will at once telegraph that you will be here then.
Address your telegraphic dispatch to me also to Gov. Brown, and be certain to say that you will come. The commission in view of the confidence in your ability and patriotism is highly honorable and I have no doubt will be gratifying to you, therefore let me urge you by no means to decline it -
The Governor will as mater of course defray your expenses and in addition give you such compensation as you and he may agree on -
In addition to the telegraphis dispatch also write to me.
In haste
Your friend
Gent Paul J. Semmes Chas.I. Williams
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