This is an Autograph-Letter-Signed of Wilmot DeSaussure, Brigadier General Commander of the 4th Brigade, S. C. M to Gov. Pickens concerning the fears of the inhabitants of Christ Church and St. James, Santee, Parishes that their portion of coast is without defense and he wants to furnish two cannons, etc.  The ALS is written on blue paper, in fine condition.


                                                                                                                        “Head Quarters 4th Brigade S. C. M.
                                                                                                                                         Charleston 11 October 1861

                                To His Excellency

                                        Governor F. W. Pickens

                                                            Columbia So. Ca.

                                                                                            Sir

                                                                                                    The anxiety of the inhabitants of Christ Church 
                                and St. James Santee Parishes for some defense of their exposed sea coast line, and 
                                for a preparation to defend which they naturally resort to me as commanding the 
                                Brigade within which they are located, induced me to go to Col. Edward Manigault 
                                Chief of Ordnance, to ask what guns could be spared, in order that I may be enabled
                                to suggest to Genl. Ripley a plan to allay the anxiety of these parishioners.  Col. 
                                Manigault informs me that there is one short eighteen pounder, and that a rifled gun 
                                could possibly be bought of Messors. Cameron & Co.  I accordingly called at Cameron
                                & Co & found that a gun carrying a fifteen pound shot could be bought at six hundred
                                dollars without a carriage but that the 18 pound carriages would suit it.  I ask leave 
                                therefore of your Excellency to purchase this rifled gun, and that you will also extend 
                                an order to Col. Manigault to deliver the short 18 pounder for use in Christ Church 
                                and the St. James Santee Parishes.  I will then endeavor in cooperation with Genl. 
                                Ripley to place some of the beat companies of those parishes in service, the doing
                                which will allay the anxiety of the inhabitants and will as far as the means of the 
                                state will permit give protection to about forty miles of coast.  This section of the 
                                State has had, as yet, nothing furnished for its defense.

                                                                 I am Sir with great respect,

                                                                                          Your Excellency’s Obt. Servt.

                                                                                                                Wilmot G. DeSaussure

                                                                                                                 Brig. Genl. Comdg. 4th Brigade S.C.M”

On Reverse by Pickens:

                                                “Genl. Gist will consult with me as to this.”

The letter is written on blue stationary and is in excellent condition with only minor aging. 

#HC89 - Price $425