The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

5 June 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Positive analysis on the ability of General Pemberton to command at Vicksburg, the defense of which is, maintains Richard , "...a defence of the obstinacy of the President..." He consequently tears into the newspaper editors and the gulible, ignorant masses. Robert heatedly discusses Yankee foraging and destruction of Southern property and finishes with speculating on the how much longer the war will last. He believes that the war will continue unabated until it is brought onto Northern soil, and is accompanied by the destruction of Northern property. He forecasts an invasion by Gen. Lee's...

GLC01896.053

11 June 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Musing about the meaning of Vicksburg, Jeffrey maintains that Grant will have to "whip" both Pemberton and Johnston before he can get anywhere. Continues with a long indictment of the Yankees and the observation that "they are now enlisting negroes for their army which is a good sign, as it is certain that they cannot get whites & is some evidence of their weakness & desperation." [Partial transcript available.]

GLC01896.054

28 July 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Requesting that the family "...write often, for my anxiety is very great at times, & a letter does relieve it much." Richard speaks of the physical stress he has been undergoing, reflects pessimistically on the value and fate of the of Charleston to the Yankees as compared to the losses of other cities, and the sorry state of Savannah should that city come under siege. Note: Asks Aaron to subscribe to a Richmond newspaper of his choice. [Partial transcript available.]

GLC01896.055

11 August 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Reprimanding Aaron for not writing more frequently--"...in reason of your long silence I am sometimes very uneasy." Richard continues to address the resistance of Charleston and the placing of heavy artillery guns mounted in front of Fort Wagner which will soon be within range of Fort Sumter. He hopes that Gen. Lee is receiving reinforcements, analyzes an article written by Aaron and suggests adding in a discussion of the "no [sic] nothing affair" and differences between the Puritan and the Catholic churches. Inquires if their are enough supporting troops in supporting distance of Richmond....

GLC01896.056

25 August 1863

Archer, Edward R. (fl. 1830-1917)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel J. Harrison

Application for the position of Chief Engineer "on board the steamer to be commanded by Captain Dacey Va Volunteer Navy." Lists qualifications, former service record, and references enclosed testimonials of his qualifications. Docket on verso: "Application for Appointment in the Vol. Navy Aug 25th/63". Harrison was president of the Virginia Volunteer Navy Company. Marked "copy" in upper left hand corner.

GLC01896.057

25 August 1863

Anderson, Joseph R. (1813-1892)

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Recommendation for E.R. Archer]

Recommendation and certification of Archer's qualifications as a machinist written by J. R. Anderson, owner of the Tredegar works [on Tredegar Iron Works letterhead]. Pencil notation on verso: "letter of J R Anderson & Co Certifying my qualifications as Eng. [illegible] for Vol Navy". Anderson, a Confederate Brigadier General, resigned his position in 1862 to serve in ordinance.

GLC01896.058

31 August 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Sends Aaron $5 to cover the cost for a subscription to the "Centinel" for him, and Robert's inability to advance $100 or more to him due to the high costs of food, lodging and particularly clothing in Savannah. Jeffrey apologizes to Aaron and explains that that what "...in ordinary times would have cost 50 or 60 Doll[ar]s...I wil pay almost 200 for them [now]..." Also, comments on traitors operating covertly in Savanah, the Yankees having a heavy artillery gun that is shelling Charleston, and hopes that General Bragg's Army of the Tennessee is larger than reported.

GLC01896.059

22 September 1863

Jeffery, Richard W. (fl. 1855-1899)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anne [Jeffery]

Promises Anne that he will repay his overdue debt to her, and then goes on to muse on the fortunes of the war in the wake of Gen. Braxton Bragg's victory [Battle of Chickamauga]. He points out early Confederate victories at Mannassas and Big Bethel and the North's inability to find a successful commanding general for the western Federal army as evidence of major Yankee failures. Jeffery asserts that each time the Yankees have come into the South, they have been soundly "whipped", adding "...now that 'luck has changed' we may hope that success will follow success..." on to victory by wearing...

GLC01896.060

23 September 1863

Harrison, Samuel J. (fl. 1855-1863)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Steven R. Mallory

Letter of introduction and requesting permission for Edward R. Archer to go before a tribunal examination. "The bearer, Mr. E.R. Archer has been duly appointed by the Board of Directors of this company (Virginia Volunteer Navy Company) 1st Assistant Engineer, and we propose to send him with Captain Stiles, who will go abroad on our business about the 1st Proximo. You will please do us the favor to permit him to go before the proper tribunal for examination." Dockets on verso show that Archer was examined for the position of First Assistant Engineer by Chief Engineer Quinn at the Richmond Naval...

GLC01896.061

26 September 1863

Mallory, Stephen R. (1813-1873)

Letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Certifies Archer's examination and commissioned appointment as First Assistant Engineer in the Virginia Volunteer Navy.

GLC01896.062