Beschreibung:

Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. ALS as Brigadier General, 2pp, on blue, imported paper, 7.5 x 9.75 in., "Head Quarters 1st Brigade, Camp near Centreville." August 29, 1861. This letter presents one of the finest examples of patriotism and dedication that were traits of these two great leaders. General Lee had authorized General Jackson to offer a payment of $5 a piece for each musket that may be returned of those taken possession of by the people in and about Harpers Ferry. The citizens of Harpers Ferry that were loyal to the South had come to the rescue of the Arsenal when it was set on fire by fleeing Union troops. The citizens of course helped themselves to many of the muskets that had not been burned. General Lee, knowing that the South needed these weapons, therefore authorized Jackson to buy them. Problem: Jackson states, No public funds had been turned over to me, and I could not procure the amount on credit...to pay these citizens...he had already...donated...his available private funds...for the purpose of securing important ordinance stores...for his troops. So what does he do? His old friend, Colonel Harper, comes to the rescue. Jackson states: I accepted of your patriotic proposition to borrow it from the bank upon your private credit. Previous to this letter, Colonel Harper had written to Jackson concerning this matter. In this letter, Jackson writes Sometimes since you stated to me that Virginia paid the principal, but refused to pay the discount on your note in bank for $2000. Then Jackson demonstrates his character that we have heard so much of: At that time I gave the assurance that if the state would not pay it I would. In concluding the letter, Jackson asks Harper to submit a statement of the amount due to him with this letter to the state official in charge. And if the state will not allow the amount, return the officer's refusal to me, and I will make good my promise. In fine condition, the letter has been de-acidified and conserved. Written in dark ink with no fading and minor toning. A truly significant Jackson letter. Full Transcription: Head Quarters 1st Brigade Camp near Centreville Aug. 29th, 1861 Colonel, Whilst commanding officer at Harpers Ferry I received an official letter from Maj. Genl. R.E. Lee dated May 6, 1861, in which he states "You are authorized to offer the payment of $5. a piece for each musket that may be returned of those taken possession of by the people in and about Harpers Ferry. No public funds had been turned over to me, and I could not procure the amount on credit. My available private funds I turned over to the ordinance officer for the purpose of securing important ordinance stores. Under great pressure for funds for the purchase of the amount contemplated in Genl. Lee's letter, I accepted of your patriotic proposition to borrow it from the Bank upon your private credit. Some time since you stated to me, that Virginia paid the principal, but re- fused to pay the discount on your note, in Bank for $2000. At that time I gave the assurance that if the state would not pay it I would. This morning I received from you a statement respecting the subject from the cashier of the Bank of the Valley in Winchester. Please forward his statement with this letter to the proper officer for settlement, and if the state will not allow the amount return the officers refusal to me, and I will make good my promise. Your Most Obdt. Servt. T.J. Jackson Brig. Genl. P.A.C.S. Col. Kenton Harper 5th Regt. Va. Vols. Docket in Harper's hand on reverse: Col. Kenton Harper's Claim for discounts Paid on $2000 forwarded by him from Valley Bank, Winchester, for the public Service under the authority of Col. Jackson, Comg. Harpers Ferry. Condition: In fine condition, the letter has been de-acidified and conserved. Written in dark ink with no fading and minor toning.