Jones, Samuel (1819-1887) to William E. Jones
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02711.02 Author/Creator: Jones, Samuel (1819-1887) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 January 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 20.5 x 12.8 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses possible appointments as ordnance chief for the Virginia State Guard. Believes that Virginia will not secede. Refers to the State Guard Bill as unjudicious.
Jones served the Confederacy in most of the major theaters. After serving as Beauregard's chief artillerist at First Bull Run and commanding a brigade in northern Virginia he was assigned to the Gulf coast, later serving in northern Mississippi, middle Tennessee, and western Virginia, where he guarded supply sources and lines and quibbled with Lee.
Washington D.C.
Jany: 28./61
Dear Sir;
I rec'd Saturday your note of the day before also, the bill providing for a State Guard.
I am still of the opinion, & I am not alone in that opinion that Mordicai is the most suitable man for Chief of Ordnance. Next to him I should say Huger who I suppose is out of the question, Haynes & Dyer. Any one of these I think would fill the place well. I knew Huger very slightly except by reputation. Dyer I know better and regard him as a man of very high [2] ability. I doubt however if any one of those I have named will accept the place just now. It is unfortunate that the office was not created sooner if it is designed to make it permanent. Occurring just now it will be regarded as true forray, to be abolished when matters are settled if they ever are as far as Va. is concerned. The general opinion seems to be that Va. will not secede - that the difficulties will be adjusted in time at least to gave the border slave states. If my opinion is worth anything I would suggest that the office be offered to the gentlemen I have named. You know I did not like [3] placing all the staff Corps under the Chief of Ordnance but that Cannot be helped now.
These are some objectives to the State Guard bill. The Chief in my opinion being the 5th Sect. appointing a Majr. Genl in Chief, because of the difficulty of getting sent at this time a proper man for the office, one who has had experience might not the instruction provided for in the bill be at first imparted by the Colonel of Regts as they are organized, - afterwards they might be united under a Genl if circumstances require it. I much think it unjudicious at this time to pass that bill. I cannot [4] think there is danger of an immediate attack on Va. Would it not be time enough to organize this force immediately after Va secedes, if she does secede.
I throw out these suggestions in haste. I have been very busy since I returned & have not been able to [strikeout] consult as many, or as fully, with subjects as I desire, but will do so.
Please keep me advised of all of important passing in Richd. - Send me printed Copies of all military bills that have passed the Legis: later or that as that may be introduced and oblige you in haste.
Saml. Jones.
W.E. Jones
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