Smith, Gustavus W. (1821-1896) to Samuel G. French
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01641 Author/Creator: Smith, Gustavus W. (1821-1896) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Manuscript document signed Date: September 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 28 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
A page extracted from his letterbook (signed twice) discussing the defense of North Carolina and Virginia. Informs French that "the people of Onslow County N.C." passed a resolution regarding the defense of North Carolina. The resolution was sent to President Davis, and Smith hopes "conflict between State and Confederate laws" can be avoided. Also inquires if French is prepared to defend "Weldon, Petersburg or Richmond," and the surrounding area. The letter is undated but sent to Zebulon Baird Vance as the Governor of North Carolina. Vance was inaugurated on September 8, 1862, so the letter was written after that date. The letter is addressed to French as the Commander of the Department of North Carolina. Smith would replace him in this post on September 19, 1862, so the letter must have been written before this date. Smith's reference to a "report of the 13th" may have meant September 13, 1862, narrowing the range even more, but this is not certain. It is certain the letter was written some time between September 8, 1862, and September 19, 1862.
Samuel G. French was a Confederate Major General.
Gustavus W. Smith was a Confederate Major General.
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