M.F.A. (fl. 1861-1864) An Obitutary or tribute piece to Henry Stokes
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00653.01.32 Author/Creator: M.F.A. (fl. 1861-1864) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph manuscript Date: Circa 1861-1864 Pagination: 4.5 p. ; 21.2 x 26.3 cm. Order a Copy
He is described as a happy, healthy little boy who grew up attending Christian schools. He was ready to serve his country and said "If necessary, I am willing to die for it." First, he worked as a clerk and then begged permission to actually fight. He was a good soldier who was finally killed in the Battle of the Wilderness. (written by a younger brother, possibly...?)
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)
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