Beschreibung:

Martin, William T. (1823-1910). CSA major general, Democratic politician, and President of the Natchez, Jackson, and Columbus Railroad. ALS as major general, 1p, 8.25 x 10.625 in., "Head Quar[ter]s Martin's Div." August 8, 1864. Addressed to "Maj E. S. Burford / A. A. Genl." "Genl Allen reports that he has a supply of horse shoes, but has only 10[?] lbs nails. He is encamped on the Road heading to Social Circle eight (8) miles from this place. / Genl Iverson I understand is encamped to night [sic] five or six miles from Covington on the Road to Monticello. I have received no report from him. I have sent him orders." A native of Kentucky, William T. Martin graduated from Centre College in 1840 and was admitted to the bar in Natchez, Mississippi in 1843, practicing there for many years before taking up arms in 1861. Martin had not been in favor of secession prior to the outbreak of war, but like many southern Whigs, he joined the Confederate cause upon the fall of Fort Sumter. Martin had a long and successful military career in the Confederate States Army, including successive promotions to major, colonel, and lieutenant colonel of the Jeff Davis Legion; service under J.E.B. Stuart and promotion to brigadier general in 1862; service in the western theater commanding divisions at the Tullahoma Campaign and the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863; promotion to major general later that year; and distinguished service under James Longstreet and Joseph Wheeler. Martin was ultimately named commander of the military district of Northwestern Mississippi as the war drew to a close. Condition: Letter with multiple creases including several deep vertical folds, some ink smudging/smearing, spots of discoloration, and light wear to edges and corners. Letter also with small rips/holes in words throughout (likely from forceful writing).