Beschreibung:

Autograph letter signed "Rb. Rodes" as Colonel of the Fifth Alabama Volunteers, to Lt. Col. Charles H. Tyler, adjutant of the 2nd Brigade in Richard Ewell's Army of the Potomac, seeking Ewell's authorization for the appointment of an additional 1st lieutenant in his regiment.
"Head Qrs. 5 Reg't Alabama Vol": 2 July 1861. 1 p. (203 x 180 mm). Condition: very minor marginal chips not affecting text, extreme light toning at margins. rare war-date autograph letter signed from the confederate general. "… It will be best and most agreeable for all parties…for Mr. Whiting to serve in the manner proposed, his connection with his company. I take great pleasure in sustaining Capt. Fowler in his estimate of Mr. Harris's ability. Mr. Harris is the best 1st Lieut. in the regiment, in fact far better than usual. Under these circumstances and since it is the custom in the regular service to have 11 first Lieuts. in instances in which the 1st Lieut. of a Company is Adj[utant]. - and since Mr. Whiting himself (the present Adj.) is perfectly content that his position should be entirely regimental, expiring with the disbandment of the regiment, I hope the Gen'l or his superiors will authorize me speedily to authorize Capt. Fowler to elect with the aid of his Company another Lieut…" After rising to the rank of Major General (at the deathbed recommendation of Stonewall Jackson), he fought with distinction in the Valley Campaign of 1864. At Third Winchester, he was mortally wounded leading a gallant counterattack that saved the army from a rout and died on the battlefield. Letters by Rodes are quite rare, in part due to his early death.