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COMMEMORATING THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL WAR WITH
THE FINEST ORIGINAL SOLDIER'S LETTERS AND ARTIFACTS
Here is an early war directive all hand written in nice dark ink on Confederate blue-grey paper with an impressive “Head Quarters, Quartermaster General’s Department” imprint! “Charleston, October 8, 1861” the Quartermaster General of South Carolina, S. L. Glover, writes to Governor Pickens reporting on the status of equipping the South Carolina troops. He suggests that an expenditure of $100,000 is adequate for clothing.
“Many of the things needed were already in their possession. The regiments here: 3,000 men are
now nearly clothed and shod and require no more blankets – most were provided from home.”
“…Our supply of tents is very limited and would propose to order about 500 Sibley tents. Taking into
consideration the number they accommodate they are equally as cheap as the common tent.”
Glover states that one of the suppliers of cloth for uniforms, James G. Gibbes, Co., “Advised me that he cannot continue to supply the cost at contract price. I have replied that I cannot release him from his engagement.” Glover asks Governor Pickens to support him in this position.
On the reverse of this 2 page letter, Governor Pickens responds to his secretary with notes that he wants to be put into action. Not only do you get an ALS from Glover, but you get on from Governor Pickens as well! Condition is fine and excellent for display!
#HC25 – Price $350
Head Quarters,
Quartermaster General’s Department,
Charleston, Oct. 8, 1861.
To His Excellency
Gov. Pickens,
Dear Sir,
Your letter of the 8th inst. has had my careful consideration.
I have also, as directed conferred with Gen. DeSaussure upon its constant.
I am inclined to the opinion, that for the troops mentioned, it will hardly be
necessary to make so large an outfitting.
In the first place, many of our troops are already supplied with a full outfit
and most of them partially so. It was upon this supposition that my estimate for
One Hundred Thousand Dollars was based.
The supply you suggest, would call for an expenditure of at least Three
Hundred Thousand. I would therefore if consistent with the view of your
Excellency, propose to prepare at present only partially the quantity of clothing
you suggest & replace it as drawn out, in which may, I think, our Soldiers may be
kept comfortably clothed, without so large an expenditure. On this heading I
(refer) to my contract with Mesr. James G. Gibbes Co. for cloth for uniforms. He
has now advised me that he can not continue to supply the cloth at contract price.
I have replied that I can not release him for his engagement; & I must ask you to
support me in this position the more especially, as I can not command the material
from any other source, and I also think the price agreed upon is a full equivalent.
I have the honor to be
Very Respectfully
Your obt. svt.
S. L. Glover
Q.M.G. S.C.
N.B.
I enclose herewith two bills of Allen & Dial, sent me for payment. The one of
the 8th of August I think clearly belongs to the Confederacy – the other if you will
so direct, I will pay.
I would call your attention to the fact, that our supply of Tents is very limited
& would propose to order about 500 Sibley Tents. Taking into consideration the
number accommodate, they are equally as cheap as the common Tent.
S. L. G.
On the reverse: An ALS from Governor F. W. Pickens:
I wrote expressly that I recommended Mr. Averill to take the room
he engaged at $15. & not to take wagons & two horses as wagons can
always he had much cheaper to transport to & from R. Roads.
The strength for the 21,000 was given as if nothing more was found,
whereas I found that more than half things needed were already in their
possession. The Regts. here: 3,000 men are now nearly clothed & shod &
require no more blankets, however most were provided from home, but
the estimate I sent was as if nothing was now in their possession.
I think the estimate for two reasons here unnecessary as we can do
the business except when some one is to go on with the articles to the
army. I agree that only part of the supplies should be furnished at first,
& the expenditures ought to be divided, as the supplies are calculated for
the year, & the $21. Due each soldier for clothing shoes etc. must be paid
to when we advance supplies. Hold Gibbes to his contract.
F. W. P.