Letter from Thomas D. Jeffress to William D. Stuart, 1862

Scope and content:

Written from Lynchburg, Virginia. Letter protests Thomas D. Jeffress' return to the Regiment.

Language:

English.

Other descriptive data:

Provost Marshal's Office

Dear Sir,

I was astonished to hear that you contemplated such a thing as it would undoubtedly place me in a false light before the Department. I presumed you had received official notification of my appointment here.

I have always thought you were magnanimous enough not only to be willing for any officer of your Regt. to obtain promotion and a better position, but would aid him if possible in doing so.

I informed you in three letters before that I applied in Sept. last to Q. M. for transportation to Regt. and applying the same day to Adjt. Gen. Cooper in person to ascertain the point to go to, was directed by him to report to Maj. Gen. Smith for duty. By whom I was sent to Brig. Gen. Winder who ordered me to take charge of the C. S. Military Prison. I remained there about three weeks and discharged the duties satisfactorily to my commissioning officer and was on the 21st Oct. appointed "Provost Marshal" of this city with written orders from Maj. Gen. G. W. Smith, a copy of which I send you.

Each position was unsolicited and unexpected by me; but at the same time agreeable ad satisfactory; because the "posts" I was assigned were not only easier and higher than the Capt. of Infantry, but also horses and servants furnished me, and paid $180 per month. The pay however is no consideration with me. The chances of promotion are still greater in my present position.

I will also state to you, that is I preferred it, I am legally exempt from military duty by the recent "exemption act" passed by both "Houses of Congress" and approved by the President. First I have a plantation with over 40 negroes, and on it "no white male adult not liable to military duty." Second I have a large manufacturing mill and my superintendence is necessary for its successful operation. For either 1st or 2nd reasons I am exempt by "Act of Congress".

But notwithstanding pecuniary losses I am willing to remain in the army, provided my services will accomplish anything in the cause we are engaged.

I hope this will be satisfactory to you. I fear you did not receive my former letters making substantially the same statements as above; and I feel a conscientious sense of duty, in justice to myself to write to you again

The appointment here was somewhat complimentary to me and I have intimations already of a higher and more responsible position being assigned me.

I would be glad if you would answer this.

Very respectfully

P.S. I understand that only 8 or 10 efficient men of Co. "G" are with the Regt. and only about 22 or 23 in all on roll. I left several in Richmond at Hospital who will probably never recover sufficiently to return to duty.

Subjects:

Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th
United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate
Correspondence

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