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Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell) (1821-1875) to William T. Avery

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00713 Author/Creator: Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell) (1821-1875) Place Written: Knoxville, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 October 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 29 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Confederate General Breckinridge discusses a possible position on his staff for Avery, which would have to be as a voluntary aide. Congratulates on his freedom "from Yankee bondage" and his hopes to meet Avery "often in the progress of our great and just struggle."

John C. Breckinridge was a Confederate General who was a native of Kentucky. Before the war he was a Senator and Vice President.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Knoxville Tenn
Oct 6 1862
My Dear Avery
A note from you was handed to me as I was leaving Jackson, but till now I have not had a moment to answer it.
I would be most happy to have you with me, but as the Army is organized there is no command in the line in my power to offer you. The only place I could offer would be that of volunteer aid, and my staff in this respect became so large as to be altogether unwieldy, and I was obliged to reduce it, parting with some friends who had long served with me, and it is still so large as to make another reduction I fear necessary. You will therefore see why I do not beg you to accept such a position.
I congratulate you on your relief from Yankee bondage, and hoping to meet you often in the progress of our great and just struggle.
I remain
Your friend
John C Breckinridge

Col Wm T Avery
Jackson Miss

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875
Avery, William Tecumsah, 1819-1880

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