(1815-1868) Confederate major general who originally urged loyalty to the Union, but upon Lincoln's election obtained a Confederate commission and led forces at Antietam and in Georgia. Good content A.L.S., 4pp. 4to., New Orleans, April 10, 1861, to his wife. Cobb writes two days before the outbreak of war, in part: ‘… So [Georgia governor] Joe Brown as usual is making a fool of himself & [James N.] Ramsey beat my friend [William R.] Wilkins for Col[onel]- The charge against Wilkins - of being a submissionist - was an outrage as he has been a secessionist since 1850. But it matters not. My great desire was to defeat Ramsey who is a dirty dog – who has been barking at my heels for a long time – Being out of politics and independent of ‘the world, the flesh and the devil’ – I feel happier in a political sense than I ever did before… One of the papers here ‘The True Delta’ had a violent attack upon me since I have been here, charging my visit to presidential aspiration. I cared so little about it, that I did not not look for the paper. The more I protest my fixed resolve never again to enter the political field – the more I am pressed – but I am too happy at the thought to listen to the voice of seduction. On yesterday I visited the [War of 1812] battle ground [of New Orleans] and was accompanied by an old veteran – Genl [Henry W.] Palfrey – who was in the battle. He had all the [?] of the battle and we fought it over, much to his satisfaction & my pleasure and instruction. We went over the whole field - which is now a handsome farm - & he pointed out all the places of interest &c & it was one of the greatest treats I ever enjoyed. To my perfect astonishment he informed me that all we have ever heard about cotton bags – as a breast work was mere romance – There were no cotton bags used at all… This was all news to me, but on urging of others after my return to the city, I found that the old Genl was right & that cotton bags had nothing at all to do with the battle of New Orleans. I was amused at one statement he made – he said, that Genl Jackson had three lawyers for his aides – and they rode up & down the line during the battle – that every body could tell which was Genl Jackson from the fact, that the three lawyers were all the time dodging the balls but the old Genl set straight up in his saddle & never dodged to the right or left. He was a great admirer of Genl Jackson & thinks he never did wrong in his life - & if any body said or thought otherwise – he’s a d----d fool…’ Cobb signs in full at the conclusion in black ink. Shows original mailing folds, with faint foxing at center across all pages, otherwise in very good to fine condition overall. The letter is accompanied by its original transmittal envelope, on which he executes his name a second time in addressing it ‘Mrs Howell Cobb Macon Georgia’, and which bears the blind-embossed seal of the Charles Hotel in New Orleans and a New Orleans postmark.