Gilmer, Jeremy Francis (1818-1883) to Victor von Sheliha
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00908 Author/Creator: Gilmer, Jeremy Francis (1818-1883) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 August 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20 x 13 cm. Order a Copy
Marked unofficial. Gilmer writes as Confederate Major General about Lieutenant Colonel Sheliha's resignation and his appointment of a successor. Believes that it is unfortunate that Sheliha is resigning while Mobile, Alabama is besieged by Federal forces. "This is a serious step for any officer to take in the present condition of our affairs - and I regret that you should have thought it proper to take it ... even while the Enemy was knocking at the doors of Mobile ... " Explains that it was absolutely necessary to appoint a replacement immediately, " ... one who would struggle against her [Mobile's] besiegers steadfastly and under all circumstances - Harmony was essential." Assures Sheliha that this immediate replacement was done out of necessity and does not reflect on Sheliha's past services, which are appreciated. Written on letterhead from the Confederate States of America War Department, Engineer Bureau.
The battle of Mobile Bay, Alabama occurred on 5 August 1864. The modest Confederate Navy was defeated by Admiral David Farragut, but the city held out until the next spring.
[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
unofficial
August 24 1864
Colonel:
I read with deep regret two of the telegrams you sent to this office. - the first declaring you would resign immediately and unconditionally if you were not supported. The second informing me you had resigned unconditionally-This is a serious step for any officer to take in the present condition of our affairs- and I regret that you should have thought it
[2]
it proper to take it. The first dispatch forced upon the Government the apprehension that you might resign at any moment- even while the Enemy was knocking at the doors of Mobile -Immediate action became necessary; The safety of Mobile was too vital a question and it could not be hazarded. It became a necessity to assign at once to the charge of the defenses of the city [inserted: one] who would struggle against [hard] besieges steadfastly and under all circumstances -Harmony was essential-all officers were bound to preserve it and [inserted: to] [ail]
[3]
in support of the plans of the commanding General executing them cheerfully and with energy. Your past services are highly appreciated by us-they have aided much our common cause. They have been approved and endorsed by us to your commanding Genl and to the Government. I know you have had to struggle against many difficulties- one of the greatest with you as elsewhere-being the want of labor. This would appear to be unavoidable as the same has occurred at every point-Charleston, Savannah, Wilmington,
[4]
Petersburg, Richmond, &c &c. The assignment of an officer to the charge of the defenses of Mobile under [struck: the] your declaration that you would, in a contingency, resign immediately & unconditionally was not a condemnation of your past services now designed as such. It was simply an act of immediate necessity. The uncertainty of the continued services of a Chief Engr when the enemy was at the gates of the city could not be allowed to remain for a day.
I retain for the present your unofficial papers; they will be at all times subject to your call-With kind consideration and personal regard, I am yours truly J.F. Gilmer
Lt Col. Sheliha
[Asy]: Mobile
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