Imboden, John D. (John Daniel) (1823-1895) to unknown
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01628 Author/Creator: Imboden, John D. (John Daniel) (1823-1895) Place Written: Berzelia, Georgia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 April 1865 Pagination: 4 p. ; 26 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Imboden, a Confederate general, writes to an unknown correspondent about preserving the South, especially his state of Virginia. He mentions some shoes made by Yankees that do not fit. States that his wife is not well and that he is anxious to get back to his native Virginia before she is too sick to travel. Informs that he will write to General Lee for orders to return. Feels he will be more useful there since he knows the state. He hopes that the loss of Virginia to Union forces might be made more difficult by a "small active cavalry force," especially in the western part of the state. Claims that the people in this area of Virginia know him and have confidence in him. "I wish to return to their midst to share their hardships and perils and alleviate their sufferings as far as possible to keep up their most intense hatred of the enemy and if they must finally perish to go down with them." Proclaims that despite recent hardships and failure, he still believes the Confederate army will ultimately succeed. "By preserving continuous resistance the end of our struggle is not doubtful."
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