Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to his brother John McKinley Gibson
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 #: GLC04501.027 Author/Creator: Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) Place Written: La Grange, GA Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 September 1864 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 25.5 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses financial matters, and Kin's loan. "I do not see how you can require more than $100 or $150 -- making $1800 or $2700 in Confederate Money." Also discusses rounding up stragglers, a forthcoming pay, and the state of the Army of Tennessee: "I have faith in Hood. And I believe the President will always do what he thinks is best for the country. This is a defeated army. It is in rather low spirits. Its record is a record of disaster & retreats . . . ."
Excerpt:
"I had no idea that Genl Sparrow would leave the evening that he went in. I supposed the President would remain several days longer & that the General would return. We all feel very kindly toward him in the Brigade...
...What would I not give to see this war brought to a happy close! I hope we will begin active operations. Life is without any attractions for me until the Yankee is driven from our land. And I would infinitely prefer to die upon the battlefield better than survive the shipwreck of our Government.
I am going to tell Genl Hardee goodbye. One of his staff officers came to say to me that he would leave tomorrow. Thus the Army of Tenn has lost its most perfect soldier. I deeply regret his departure...Some say Beauregarde is coming and Hood will [illegible]. I think it would have been best to have brought Beauregarde here, retained Hardee & sent Hood to Virginia. But anything will do so that we have harmony & cooperation. We must all pull together. ...
...We will begin our advance in a day or two. I believe we will be successful...."
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.