Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to his father Tobias Gibson
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.012 Author/Creator: Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) Place Written: Columbus, KY Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 December 1861 Pagination: 4 p. ; 21.5 x 26.5 cm. Order a Copy
He arrived in Columbus, Kentucky in the midst of a winter storm. He is not impressed by the discipline of the Confederate troops. He has gained 15 pounds in 2 months and visited relatives in Vicksburg.
In part:
"Well you see we are at last in the face of the enemy...I have not yet had an opportunity of making an examination of our position but so far as I have seen it is exceedingly strong, Nor do I know how many men are here about - fifteen thousand perhaps including all the reinforcements. I am ignorant of the strength of the enemy either at Cairo or Paducah. From what I hear they outnumber us about double and expect reinforcements...[If?] proper use be made of the means at our disposal we can hold this post very readily. It might be made more than a Sebastapol.
I have not been favorably impressed - not at all - with the system & discipline of our forces. They are not drilled - nor are the details of organization attended to. But you know this force is as yet green and kept a great deal at fatigue. I wish we had Smith or Beauregard here or Lovell with all my heart.
What I fear most is an attack on the West side at New Madrid by a large Column and then a flank attack on this place from both sides. This of course would be ruin to them unless they had larger numbers than at present as the descending column would be cut off the rear.
Genl Polk looks very well - but is not on duty not having entirely recovered - Genl Pillow is in command - Here there are Genls McCowan - Cheatham - Stuart - I have only seen Genls Cheatham & Pillow. Pillow is a [neat?], quick impulse - gentlemanly man - Cheatham [illegible] backward style - but not vulgar. McCowan and Stuart are I believe military men by education. I should judge that this army needed West Pointers.
...Came to Memphis where I met Albert. He went to Bowling Green. The people along the route were excited & volunteering - they are without arms except shot guns & rifles.
Our troops ran the other day...not because they were out of ammunition - but for other reasons - Watsons Battery excepted. Unless troops be drilled & disciplined they cant be relied on. Our men - who had not been in the battle surprised and overcame the enemy by force of panic and the result was a victory for us.
....There is no excitement here just now. I look for good news from Price.
After traveling from one end to the other of the Confederacy - I must tell you it is no small Country - It is much larger than many a proud Empire in the old world. I shall deem myself fortunate in sacrificing my life to assist in the achievement of its Independence...."
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