(1817-1876) Confederate major general who served under Albert Sidney Johnston in Kentucky, and led at Shiloh, Perryville and Stones River, relieved for his poor performance at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. Probable war-date A.L.S., 1p. 8vo., [n.p.], June 30 [n.y.], to a captain, identified in pencil on the verso as ‘Capt E. B. Rives’. In full: ‘ You will see I am again beset by friends of your men. I send you Gen. J[ackson?]’s letter for your statement of the young man’s merits. Is he not the same one of whom we heard so much a few months ago. His health and mind giving way &c &c. If that was the case is he now fit for a commission? Please return the Gen’s letter with your reply.’ He signs boldly in black ink at the conclusion. Shows original mailing folds with splits thereto at the top and right edges, the latter repaired on the verso with cello tape, irregularly trimmed at the bottom edge, and mildly toned and foxed, otherwise in very good overall condition.