Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) to H. H. Waters
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00572.30 Author/Creator: Semmes, Paul Jones (1815-1863) Place Written: Columbus, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 January 1861 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Semmes's retained copy. Writes to the Secretary of Governor Joseph Brown of Georgia. Replies to Waters' earlier letter advising Semmes that a brigade he formed cannot be recognized as it was not formed according to the proper rules (see GLC 572.25). States that the brigade was formed prior to the legislature passing the law requiring 10,000 volunteers. He also retorts "Nor was the idea entertained by any one that this organization was known to or authorized by any State law, or that it had the right or the power to confer any military rank whatever upon me or any other person." Docketed by Semmes.
Columbus, Ga.
22 Jany 1861
H.H. Waters Esq
Secy. Ex. Dept.
Milledgeville
Sir
Your letter of the 15 inst. has been received.
The object in forwarding to the Governor a copy of my circulars as the commander of the military department of the Southern Guard was to submit for his information what was being done in this section of the state towards acquiring a military force pledged for active service. This movement commenced in October and of course could not have had reference to the act passed by the Legislator on the 18th December providing IFgpw thousand volunteers for the public defense. Nor was the idea entertained by anyone that this organization was known to or authorized by any state law, or that it had the right or the power to confer any military rank whatever upon one or any other person.
In the commencement it was believed that its services might be called for by some other state than Georgia; and the letter confirmed on me by courtesy was only inteded to signify this wish that I should be recognized as the superior military off_i_ce,r.
Brigadier General was named it was believed that no larger force than a in the field.
Very respectfully
Your svt
Paul Semmes
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