This letter was taken from the personal papers of Governor Pickens

                                              before Columbia was burned by Sherman on February 17th, 1865.
  
                                                  If was purchased by us at auction from a decent of the family!


Writing on official stationary with “State of South Carolina, Head Quarters” at the top and dated June 1^st, 1861, Governor Pickens writes to Capt. Steven D. Lee requesting him to pay-off the South Carolina troops that were currently serving under General Beauregard.  The troops had been mustered into the Confederate service but had not as yet been approved by the Confederate government.  Pickens notes that should they not be approved, he will see that the money is refunded.  This letter is a nice example of the technicalities involved in South Carolina going from an “Independent Republic” to a member of the Confederate States of America.

       Transcription:

State of South Carolina,

Head Quarters,

       1 June – 1861

To Capt. S. D. Lee –

                        Sir     

       Owing to the great

pressure for the payment of the Regular

enlisted men of So. Car. Who have been

in service under Genl. Beauregard’s

orders, and who have been mustered

into the service of the Confederate Govt. 

I would take it as a favor if you would

pay them off in full according to their

pay roll properly made out according to

law, and if the Confederate authorities

should hereafter refuse to authorize the

settlement I will see that it is refunded

and for that I become responsible.

 

                                                F. W. Pickens

#HC56 - Price $249

Back of document: