Johnson, Adams Rankin (1834-1922) to General John Hunt Morgan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02214 Author/Creator: Johnson, Adams Rankin (1834-1922) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 19.6 x 10.8 cm. Order a Copy
General Johnson, who served in a cavalry unit under Morgan, writes, "We are all exceedingly anxious to be on the war path again, and next to yourself no one is more anxious to Show both the Yankees and our friends that there is Life in the old Band Yet." Refers to his improving health. Date previously inferred. Some text and Johnson's signature are cross-written. Says "You will be as much gratified have no doubt as I was to see Col°. Martin - his account of the arrangements made and the many probable features of success of your previous plans may cause you to regret more than ever that you were prevented making the attempt. We are all exceedingly anxious to be on the war path again and next to yourself no one is more anxious to show both the Yankees and our Friends that there is Life in the Old Band yet. You spoke of carrying all of your dismounted men. Would it not be a good idea to adopt the old Voltiguer System or two men to a horse. Such a plan presents more features of success to my mind the men would be far better satisfied if kept together. They would be easier mounted having the advantage of the mounted men, they would carry the moral effect of infantry creating the impression that your force was much more formidable than it would be with cavalry alone, and I am of the opinion that by changing occasionally the footman would be able to keep up with the mounted men. There are some few objections to a mixed command on such a thing, but I think the very novelty of such an arrangement would more than counterbalance these…."
Morgan commanded cavalry brigades in the Department of East Tennessee from early 1864 - 2 May 1864, and the Department of Southwestern Virginia 2 May - 22 June 1864. He commanded the Departments of East Tennessee and Southwestern Virginia 22 June- 30 August 1864. In August 1864, Johnson was accidentally shot by his own men in Kentucky.
Genl. John H. Morgan
Dear Sir
You
will be as much gratified have no doubt as L was to see Col°. Martin -- his account of the arrangements made
and the many probable features of success of your previous plans may cause you to regret more than ever that you were prevented making the attempt.
We are all exceedingly anxious to be on the war path again and next to yourself no one is more anxious to show both the Yankees and our Friends that there is Life in the Old Band yet.
You spoke of carrying all of your dismounted men. Would it not be a good idea to adopt the old Voltiguer System or two men to a horse. Such a plan presents more features of success to my mind
the men would be far better
satisfied if kept together. They would be easier mounted having the advantage of the mounted men, they would carry the moral effect of infantry creating the impression that your force was much more formidable than it would be with cavalry alone, and I am of the opinion that by changing occasionally the
footman would be able to keep up with the mounted men. There are some few objections to a mixed command on such a thing, but I think the very novelty of such an arrangement would more than counterbalance
these. I find that cooking utensils can be had just as cheap at Lynchburg .as any where in this country. By leaving a good man in charge of the camp I think supplies of all
kind could be collected by
the time we return. :I think
you will be pleased with the young man who is know super-intending the shops.
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margin page 2 1
Begin work. I think my health will improve with 'exercise and excitement. Give my regards to Mrs. Morgan and hoping to be with you soon I remain
`Respectfully your friend
A. R. JOHNSON [circa. March, 18414/
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