Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, ALS in Response to Col. Kenton Harper, August 29, 1861 

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• Lot Description
  Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, ALS in Response to Col. Kenton Harper, August 29, 1861 
  
  Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863). Confederate General. ALS as Brigadier General, 2pp, on blue, imported paper, 7.5 x 9.75 in., "Head Quarters 1st Brigade, Camp near Centreville." August 29, 1861.
  
  This letter presents one of the finest examples of patriotism and dedication that were traits of these two great leaders. General Lee had authorized General Jackson to offer a payment of $5 a piece for each musket that may be returned of those taken possession of by the people in and about Harpers Ferry. The citizens of Harpers Ferry that were loyal to the South had come to the rescue of the Arsenal when it was set on fire by fleeing Union troops. The citizens of course helped themselves to many of the muskets that had not been burned. General Lee, knowing that the South needed these weapons, therefore authorized Jackson to buy them. Problem: Jackson states, No public funds had been turned over to me, and I could not procure the amount on credit...to pay these citizens...he had already...donated...his available private funds...for the purpose of securing important ordinance stores...for his troops.
  
  So what does he do? His old friend, Colonel Harper, comes to the rescue. Jackson states: I accepted of your patriotic proposition to borrow it from the bank upon your private credit.
  
  Previous to this letter, Colonel Harper had written to Jackson concerning this matter. In this letter, Jackson writes Sometimes since you stated to me that Virginia paid the principal, but refused to pay the discount on your note in bank for $2000. Then Jackson demonstrates his character that we have heard so much of: At that time I gave the assurance that if the state would not pay it I would.
  
  In concluding the letter, Jackson asks Harper to submit a statement of the amount due to him with this letter to the state official in charge. And if the state will not allow the amount, return the officer's refusal to me, and I will make good my promise.
  
  In fine condition, the letter has been de-acidified and conserved. Written in dark ink with no fading and minor toning. A truly significant Jackson letter.
  
  Full Transcription:
  
  Head Quarters 1st Brigade
  Camp near Centreville
  Aug. 29th, 1861
  
  Colonel,
  
  Whilst commanding officer
  at Harpers Ferry I received an official
  letter from Maj. Genl. R.E. Lee dated May
  6, 1861, in which he states "You are
  authorized to offer the payment of $5.
  a piece for each musket that may be
  returned of those taken possession of by
  the people in and about Harpers Ferry.
  No public funds had been turned
  over to me, and I could not procure the
  amount on credit. My available private funds
  I turned over to the ordinance officer for
  the purpose of securing important ordinance stores.
  Under great pressure for funds for the
  purchase of the amount contemplated in Genl.
  Lee's letter, I accepted of your patriotic
  proposition to borrow it from the Bank upon
  your private credit.
  
  Some time since you stated to me, that
  Virginia paid the principal, but re-
  fused to pay the discount on your note,
  in Bank for $2000. At that time I gave
  the assurance that if the state would not
  pay it I would.
  
  This morning I received from you
  a statement respecting the subject
  from the cashier of the Bank of the
  Valley in Winchester. Please forward
  his statement with this letter to the
  proper officer for settlement, and if the
  state will not allow the amount return
  the officers refusal to me, and I will make
  good my promise.
  
  Your Most Obdt. Servt.
  T.J. Jackson
  Brig. Genl. P.A.C.S.
  
  Col. Kenton Harper
  5th Regt. Va. Vols.
  
  Docket in Harper's hand on reverse:
  
  Col. Kenton Harper's Claim for discounts
  Paid on $2000 forwarded by him from
  Valley Bank, Winchester, for the public
  Service under the authority of Col. Jackson,
  Comg. Harpers Ferry. 

  Condition

  In fine condition, the letter has been de-acidified and conserved. Written in dark ink with no fading and minor toning.
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