(1837-1887) Confederate brigadier general who served with distinction at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Cedar Creek, later serving as a Georgia statesman. Very intriguing A.L.S., 4pp. 4to., Atlanta, Oct. 7, 1870, on Georgia Legislature letterhead (although he was not in office at the time). Simms writes to a Miss S. E. Russell of Pittston, Maine, in a personal and romantic tone that suggests that the recipient could have been his mistress. Simms first recounts his recent travels around Georgia, his struggle for money, ill health and poor diet, before continuing, in part: ‘… Yes Darling I think you can easier live close & wash & work for us two than for two families of eight and you have the load while you are there. I think we must be together this winter and as soon as I can make the arrangements, I will let you know. I do not find things in as good shape at B[runswick, Georgia] as I hoped to. Goodyear has done well, but I find it has used nearly all the funds to run the [law] office. Judy hinted at more bottles of whiskey than I like to hear of. He hinted strong for me to get a bottle of brandy but I had no money to throw away. I hope to be back there for good the last of the month, perhaps 25th, then you bet things will run different. I have not had a chance to talk with Mr. & Mrs. C. yet. We may better live in a shanty on ‘hog & harmony’ than this way. I want to have deposited somewhere enough so you could go home at any time. When I can do that and get a little home here, I will say come, and you need not work ten hours a day. If you are strong enough I can get a school at B[runswick] for you. Thanks you for the practical views, my letter I have tried to make the same, & we will try and figure it all down to certainties. Now pet it is cold and I must go to bed, so kisses & good night.’ He signs ‘Simms’ in black ink at the conclusion, adding a post-script below just prior to mailing, again signing ‘Simms’. Shows original mailing folds, with a few small splits thereto at the edges and interior, with some soiling to the second sheet, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall. Sold with the original transmittal envelope, addressed to Miss Russell in Simms’ hand and postmarked at Atlanta on Oct. 8. Worthy of further research!