Stonewall Jackson Autographed Letter Signed.

JACKSON, Thomas "Stonewall".

Item Number: 143621

Rare autograph letter signed by Stonewall Jackson written on May 25, 1861 to Virginia governor John Letcher, which reads “Governor, the object of this letter is to state that Mr. W. S. H. Baylor late colonel of the Augusta regiment has qualities which would make him a valuable colonel if an opportunity were offered for their development. During the insubordination at this place, which resulted from depriving the regulars of their field and general officers, Mr. B. instead of at once going to Richmond to advance his personal interests, remained here until he succeeded in quelling the insubordination in his regiment, and I was forcibly impressed with the influence which he exerted over his men. He possesses fine qualities for an officer, and consequently feels deeply that other colonels were reinstated, whilst he was only appointed a major. I am well satisfied from what I know of him personally that he would as a colonel, be an ornament to the Service. I am, Governor, your obedient servant, T.J. Jackson, col. VA vols.”

This letter was written just after the referendum to secede from the Union overwhelmingly passed in the Virginia house on May 23, 1861. Stonewall Jackson was commander of the Confederate army garrison at Harpers Ferry starting April 30. On the 27th of April, Maj. Thomas J. Jackson, of the Virginia military institute, was appointed colonel of Virginia volunteers and ordered to Harper’s Ferry to take command of the forces there assembled. At the same time an order was issued decapitating every militia officer in the State’s volunteer service above the rank of captain, the vacancies thus created to be filled by the governor and his council of three. Colonel Jackson arrived at Harper’s Ferry on the 29th of April and took command on the 30th. This order, resolving the Virginia forces into units of organization, created much indignation among the deposed officers, and greatly excited the troops they had commanded. In the midst of this excitement, Imboden ordered the Staunton artillery into line and informed them that they were required to muster into service, either for twelve months or the war, at their option, but urged them to go in for the full period, as it would be much to their credit to do so and set a good example to others. His men shouted unanimously, “For the war !” They were at once mustered in, and their captain had the pleasure of handing to Colonel Jackson the roll of the first company mustered in “for the war,” for which the colonel expressed his thanks and asked that the same be conveyed to the men. Jackson then requested Imboden to muster in the two other artillery companies present, which he did and returned the rolls before sunset. This action of the artillerists was followed the next day by the other troops; all were mustered in, and the organization into regiments and battalions began. Soon after this, Letcher appointed Harper colonel of the Fifth Virginia, Harman, lieutenant-colonel, and Baylor, major, and thus was organized one of the finest regiments of the famous Stonewall brigade.” Although recommended for colonel, William Smith Hanger Baylor (1831-62) did not achieve that position until 1862. Baylor was an American lawyer and soldier. Before the war, Baylor commanded a militia company, the West Augusta Guard, which later became Company L of the 5th Virginia Infantry Regiment. In April 1862, he was appointed colonel of the regiment. Baylor assumed command of the Stonewall Brigade after the death of Brigadier General Charles S. Winder on August 9, 1862, at Cedar Mountain. Before his promotion to brigadier general could be confirmed, Baylor was killed in action on the afternoon of August 30, 1862, at Second Manassas after taking the colors of the 33rd Virginia Infantry and gallantly leading his brigade to the unfinished railroad in a charge against the Union V Corps. A significant letter commending a Confederate military figure who would end up as a commander of Jackson’s own brigade. Signed by Jackson and also with notation on verso that might be in Jackson’s hand as well. In very good condition.