McLaws, Lafayette (1821-1897) to Colonel Ray
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01073 Author/Creator: McLaws, Lafayette (1821-1897) Place Written: Savannah, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 October 1864 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Forwards an application, "Of the Officers of the 9th Ga [Georgia] Battallian of Arty [Artillery] for transfer to Siege batteries Savannah." Analyzes the conditions at different forts and batteries in Georgia and South Carolina in preparation for the defense of Savannah against Union General William T. Sherman's advance. States that the report will show that an increase in the heavy artillery force is urgently needed. Lists the forts and batteries and the ammunitions at each, the minimum number of men required, and the number needed to provide sufficient relief. Also covers the conditions of the heavy artillery batteries. States that more men are needed. Mentions the advanced age of some of the men being drilled and that the foreigners in one battalion desert as soon as the chance arises.
Lafayette McLaws was a U.S. Army officer and a Confederate general in the Civil War.
[excerpt]
Thunderbolt, has reserves of old men only, who are being drilled, but the Drill Officer reports them as too old and stiff for the duty.
As winter comes on, the battallion of Major Leyden will not be required at their present position and could be spared for Sava.
No. 22 Battallion now here has a large foreign element in it, and whenever a chance offers the foreigners desert
Leydens battallion are all Georgians and the admixture would be beneficial...
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