Maury, Dabney Herndon (1822-1900) to Sterling Price
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05012.01 Author/Creator: Maury, Dabney Herndon (1822-1900) Place Written: Vicksburg, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 January 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
General Maury informs General Price he was disappointed that Price recently failed to visit Vicksburg. Reports on marching with General Lee (possibly Stephen Dill Lee). Relates that due to a railroad accident, the 35th Mississippi lost an estimated 70 men. States "I have never been on a Battle Field where the ground was so easy to learn as this about here, our positions being much elevated above those of the enemy, we could see and understand the operations far better than he." Possibly referring to Stephen Dill Lee, writes "There was nothing left for me however; Young General Lee, of South Carolina had defeated the enemy before I came." States that there are not enough men to occupy the fortifications of Vicksburg. Referring to General Martin Luther Smith, writes "Affairs have been in the hands of a yankee- born Officer... who is of but little practical worth. And who would probably do us more service had he remained on the other side... " Reports that an increased amount of absentees have returned to his ranks. Discusses the appearance and performance of Smith's staff in negative terms: "And cannot understand how a little fellow in corduroy and homespun can be any thing of a soldier." States that Vicksburg is his most agreeable station thus far, citing the cognac, green seal champagne, and beautiful women.
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