Morgan, John Hunt (1825-1864) to Jefferson Davis
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02460.10.01 Author/Creator: Morgan, John Hunt (1825-1864) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 17 March 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.5 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Morgan beseeches Confederate president Davis to return his former regiments to his command. Mentions Breckinridge's Regiment, Dortch's Battalion, and other units. On verso is a Davis autograph note signed (with initials), asking the adjutant general for remarks. This is followed by a April 16, 1864 note by Assistant Adjutant General Samuel W. Melton, who says that Morgan's claim to the troops is "absurd", but that it might be "politic to yield somewhat...."
[from Morgan's letter:] "...As Chief Ruler of the Confederate States and Commander in Chief of our Army allow me respectfully to call your attention to a Document sent in by me this day to the Adjutant General praying that certain Regiments raised by me or for me, and others that have for a long time formed part of my Cavalry Brigade may be again allowed to join my Command... To be separated from them after having seen so much hard service together would be a crushing blow to me and affect me more severely than I can describe."
[Davis's note:] "Adjt. Genl. for remarks &c. J.D."
[from Melton's note:] "absurd, to assert that General Morgan has any right to these men. He has a right to the grade of Brig Genl and a right to be assigned to the command of a force commensurate with his grade... The policy... in the matter is a different thing. These Kentucky troops are much devoted to the person of Genl Morgan. They are fighting for sentiment, in a great measure... in order to retain them in the service it is politic to yield somewhat to their sentiments for Morgan..."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.