Figures, Henry S. (fl. 1861 -1864) to Father and Mother
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.01.23 Author/Creator: Figures, Henry S. (fl. 1861 -1864) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 July 1863 Pagination: 2.5 p. : envelope ; 20.5 x 26 cm. Order a Copy
He describes his movements until Gettysburg where he managed to escape unharmed. Then they walked through the mountains until it became too steep. Next day they went to Hagarstown. He is now acting as Adjutant General for the brigade.
Henry Stokes Figures of Montgomery Alabama enlisted in the Confederate Army on 10 June 1861. He served as private and sergeant in Company F of the 4th Alabama Infantry (the "Huntsville Guards") before being named adjutant, with a rank of 1st lieutenant, of the 48th Alabama (May 1863). He was killed at the Wilderness on the evening of 6 May 1864. Robert T. Coles, who served with Figures in Company F and later wrote a history of the 4th Alabama, recalled him as "a gallant soldier and esteemed friend, a youth of decided military talent" (Jeffrey D. Stocker, ed., From Huntsville to Appomattox, p. 166)
[draft excerpt]
Hd Qrs Laws Brigade
July 8 1863
Dear Father and Mother,
You know by this time that I am in Maryland. We crossed at Williamsport on 26th, got to Chambersburg, Penn that evening, staid there several days. Our regt was sent over to Scotland, about 2 miles from camp, to guard some commissary stores, then we went to New Gilford. Then to Gettysburg - where we had a great fight. I escaped unhurt, did not get touched any where. I tried to conduct myself with credit through the fight. I think I done it. Col. Sheffield & all the Officers in the regt think a great of me [sic]. I never saw a braver man in my life than Col. S. is. Our regt charged up the mountain for two miles, when it became so steep that we could not go any farther, we then fell back, & charged it four successive times but could not take the heights. - The enemy were upon the top of the mountain the steepest place I ever saw in my life-I will send you a list of the killed & wounded in our regt. You will get one from the 4th I suppose. Capt Lefwich, Tom Lanier, Jim Duff was killed in our old company... Tell Mr. Leftwich that I have his son's sword... [2] I carried the colors in the fight for a while. We had the fight on the 2d; on the 3d some yankee cavalry about a Brigade charged through our lines. Our brigade was double quicked about 300 yards & got behind them & caught them all but 18 or 20. Next day we fell back about halfmile. Next day we came on to Hagerstown. We have been here two or three days. Col. Sheffield was put in command of the Brigade on the night of the 2d- Genl. Hood was wounded in the arm. Genl. Law took command of the Division. I am now acting Adjutant Genl. for the Brigade...
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