Beschreibung:

Letter written in the hand of Pillow's aide-de-camp to General Cheetham, ordering him to defend Tennessee and avoid hostilities with Kentucky.
"Headquarters of A[rmy] of T[ennessee]" Memphis: 29 May 1861. 1 p. (248 x 197 mm). Condition: reinforced along left margin. pillow orders general cheetham to defend tennessee against invasion and to respect the neutrality of kentucky - written just days prior to tennessee's secession. A good, early war date communication in which Pillow, commanding the Provisional Army of Tennessee, outlines the general policy to be followed by Cheetham toward the state of Kentucky: "Your duty is to defend the soil and protect the people of Tennessee and your forces are stationed at Union City near the State Line for that purpose. And you will avoid any act of an [sic] hostile character to the people or state of Kentucky; that state having taken the position of armed Neutrality. But in the event the enemies [sic] forces shall disregard the neutrality of Kentucky by invading her territory at Columbus or elsewhere, then you will - if your force in hand be sufficiently advanced to Columbus, force the enemy off & hold the position. In any movement such as that contemplated above the Mississippi forces will co-operate with you and in the advice of any officer of the Confederate States governments of the grade of General officer. You will take command of the both forces & the Battery at Columbus & hold that position…" Confederate forces would in fact soon move into Columbus, Kentucky.