Autographs
Confederate Brigadier General Henry Jackson Autograph Letter Signed January 26, 1861 to the Governor of Georgia Written Just One Week After the State of Georgia Passed its Resolution of Secession from the Union
HENRY R. JACKSON (1820-1898). Confederate Brigadier General, fought at the Battle of Cheat Mountain, later led a Brigade during the Atlanta Campaign, Captured at the Battle of Nashville and was Paroled from Fort Warren, Massachusetts, on July 8, 1865.
January 26, 1861-Dated written just over 3 Months before the Start of the American Civil War, Autograph Letter Signed, "H R Jackson", measuring 7.75" x 10", 3 pages, at Savannah, GA, Choice crisp fresh Extremely Fine or better. This Letter is written to the Governor of Georgia, Joseph E. Brown, marked at the top "Private". An important controversial Letter referencing to "His Excellency, the Governor" (Brown's) demand that the Augusta (GA.) Armory be surrendered and turned over to the state of Georgia. Marked "Private", it reads in full:
"My dear Sir, --- I drop a line to pray you not hold me responsible for all said in the article on the matter of the Augusta Arsenal which appears in the paper of that city this morning. -- As Col. Cleveland was one of your aides. & as Gen. W. & Col. P. were also connected with your staff, we met after dinner yesterday to prepare the article, but it was soon discovered that nothing could be practically effected by four heads, -- so after suggestions had been made, Col. C. undertook the duty of preparing singly the paper. -- As to the various personal points, waiver of rank by Genl. W., etc. etc., I knew nothing until the publication thereof; I have the same remark to make about all personal matters touching myself. As Col. C. was at the same time one of your Aides & Editor of the Monday paper, I thought it not only wise, but, under the surroundings, almost necessary to leave the matter in his hands. He has said some things very well, but rather more than I should have said. -- I spoke to himn in the morning during our conference as to securing a copy of the "Tersus, etc." He told me he was having one made out, & subsequently told me that you had promised to let him have one, & that it would be handed to me. Capt. Elzey, after the events of the day was rather "hors de combat" in the evening, & we failed to secure one then. However, it was concluded finally that a statement in substance of the terms would suffice. -- Excuse me for trespassing on your time with this letter, but I considered it proper to place myself right before you; as I think you will see that personal relatives & feelings, uncontrollable by me, placed me out of condition to have every thing said & I am according to say over taste & judgment.
Jackson's signature measures a huge 3.5" across and appears right of center on the third page. Phenomenal pre-War content.
Just One Week before this Letter was written, the State of Georgia passed its resolution of Secession from the Union. The article described here by Jackson refers to events that took place on January 23 when Governor Brown visited the Augusta Armory and demanded that it be surrendered and turned over to the state.
The commander of the Armory, future Confederate Major General Arnold Elzey initially refused, and 600 citizens of Augusta volunteered for militia duty to defend it. After some time Elzey finally agreed to turn the armory over to the state. The article Jackson mentions likely painted Governor Brown as a "Tyrant" for this act, which is ironic since he himself often gave the same criticism to Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
KEYWORDS:
Georgia Civil War, Georgia Secession, Secession from the Union, Civil War Augusta Armory, Confederate Generals, Geogia History, Civil War History