Jones, William E. (1824-1864) to George W. Randolph
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02711.03 Author/Creator: Jones, William E. (1824-1864) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter Date: 28 April 1862 Pagination: 1 p. ; 30.5 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy
Draft written in pencil to Confederate Secretary of War Randolph, explaining his resignation over the election of officers in J.E.B. Stuart's Virginia Cavalry. Expresses concern over unjust voting conditions propagated by Stuart.
An 1848 graduate of West Point, Jones served almost a decade with the mounted riflemen until he resigned to manage his estate in southwestern Virginia. Known for his irritable disposition, Jones was nicknamed "Grumble." At the start of the war, Jones raised the 1st Virginia Cavalry regiment and served under J.E.B. Stuart at First Bull Run. He became colonel of the 7th Virginia cavalry at Second Bull Run, then was promoted to brigadier in 1862, assigned to command the 4th Brigade of Stuart's cavalry division, the "Laurel" brigade. He joined Stuart and Lee's army at Brandy Station in preparation for Gettysburg. In October 1863 Stuart court-martialed Jones following a long period of disagreement. "Grumble" was found guilty but Lee intervened and transferred him to West Virginia, where in May 1864 he commanded the Shenandoah Valley. In the Battle of Piedmont on 5 June 1864 he was shot in the head and killed while leading a charge.
Richmond Va.
April the 28th 1862
Hon G.W. Randolph
Secty of War
Sir,
On the 22 inst Brig Genl J.E.B. Stuart held an election for company officers in six companies of the 1st Va Cavalry, in four of which companies there were less than a half of the [inserted: minimum] numbers prescribed by law. After this he held an election for field officers by the company [inserted: officers] of these six companies and those of the remaining companies [struck: officers] of the Regiment. This election at war with equity and in violation of law deprives me of my command [struck: and] but could I feel the proceeding free of malice I would willingly abide the result. However being fully aware of my inability to repair the mischief done by the stupidity and wickedness of my superior officer I hereby relieve the Department of all embarrassment by tendering my resignation to take effect on the 30th inst. I am fully satisfied that [struck: but] the officers of but two companies out of the ten had any right to vote in this latter election, and that in law and equity my office is not yet vacated. However my presence in the Regiment could not now erase the mischief already done and I tender my resignation as colonel of the 1st Va Cavalry to offer my services when and where in your opinion they can be useful.
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