Lot 313

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Description:

James Simons Autograph Letter Signed dated: 20 July 1861, Charleston, S.C.,
To John L. Manning, Manassas Junction, Virginia. General Simons wrote to his long-time friend, John Laurence Manning (1816-1889), who had been South Carolina's governor from 1852-1854, and at the time Simons wrote him was on the staff of General P. G. T. Beauregard, who commanded the Confederate army that he would lead to victory over the Federal forces at the first Battle of Manassas on 21 July 1861. General Simons wrote, "In the midst of the scenes by which you are surrounded, I would not trouble you except to aid me in rescuing my name & character from the obloquy & disgrace, unto which the calumny of dastardly enemies, would cast them." He then explained that "I had my attention called by a friend to a paper called the Day Book (Norfolk) 15 July inst. Wherein was published an article professing to have been written in Charleston 11 July, in which the writer says, that the troops of Charleston were about to elect a Brigadier Genl., to succeed the present commander who has given notice of his resignation, that he would not be regretted as he had not distinguished himself for courage at the Bombardment of Fort Sumter, by a great deal, besides that in other respects he was very unpopular in Charleston." Simons attributed the criticism to have arisen "from the unhappy selection by Major Whitney of the hospital for our temporary shelter, to write orders &c until we could get some other place suitable for an accommodation." Major W. H. Whitney was the engineer attached to General Beauregard's staff at the time. Simons continued: "Genl. Beauregard knows all the circumstances. I told him Whitney had led me into the error of errors…, but that I of course was responsible as the commander. He was very kind in his expression & very positive in assuring me that there was nothing in the matter but what was proper." He then requested that Manning "ask Genl. Beauregard to bestow his friendship on me for my plain & honorable defense & justification." If Beauregard responded to his request, he expected to publish his reply, he concluded.
Four pages, on laid paper with watermark and blindstamp, W7 3/4" L10"

Provenance: Dr. & Mrs. C.G. Hopper, Jr. Collection

Other Notes: James Simons (1813-1879) Charleston, South Carolina lawyer, state legislator, and brigadier general of militia was the commander on Morris Island during the attack on Fort Sumter in April 1861.

    Condition:
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February 10, 2023 11:00 AM EST
West Columbia, SC, US

Charlton Hall

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