19 December 1861

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Gibson has been given the command of the 3rd Brigade of General Pillow's 1st Division, which consists of the 13th La., 3rd Miss., and Williams' Light Battery. He is now acting Brigadier General and expects a full promotion. Gibson analyzes their military strengths and weaknesses, comments on the Mason and Slidell affair, and discusses the depreciation of money. Gibson signs at the close of the letter and again, with initials, at the end of his postscript. In part: "...I am well and standing the campaign magnificently. After having had occasion to examine our lines of…

GLC04501.014

1 January 1862

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

General Pillow has resigned, and Gibson analyzes his abilities. The citizens of St. Louis help provide for the troops. His soldiers expect to be ordered to New Orleans as soon as the weather clears up. "....we have accustomed ourselves to reports and camp rumors. Yet everything is prepared under my command either for a movement or a fight where we are...An idea still exists that whenever the expedition intended for New Orleans sets sail, we will be ordered back...Genl Pillow has resigned. I hope some scientific officer may be assigned to duty in this place. I got very well acquainted…

GLC04501.015

7 January [1862]

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Explains that though he is acting brigadier general of the newly formed brigade, he has not actually received a promotion from. General Polk. He believes the regiment may be ordered back to Louisiana by General Lovell. Gibson also suggests trying to sell the family's molasses output and mentions a business contact in France, who he has recommended get in contact with John Slidell, Confederate commissioner to France. Though the date written on this letter is January 1861, the content indicates it was written in January 1862. In part: "I wish to say particularly that you mistake as to my…

GLC04501.016

16 January 1862

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

He has just learned that a large Federal force is moving against their position and writes his father that they soon may be surrounded. Gibson signs using his full name. In part: "I have just returned from a meeting of the General Officers at Head Quarters and it is now reduced to a certainty - that the enemy is moving against us, in very large force. Before this letter reaches its destination you will probably hear that we are surrounde dor that a great battle has been fought. We have a large supply of army stores and can live for several months - two at least. Our cause is just and…

GLC04501.017

20 January [1862]

Smith, C.M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

Resigning his position as a Surgeon in Gibson's regiment due to poor health. Smith notes that his fellow surgeon [Charles] Langenbacker is already "casting a wistful eye" upon Smith's post. He also discusses the parish crop, noting that some planters are planning to ship their produce to Texas where sugar and molasses are bringing ten and fifty cents a gallon, respectively. Though the date written on this letter is January 1861, the content and date of Gibson's commission suggest it was written in January 1862.

GLC04501.018

31 October 1862

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Gibson describes a march ending at Chattanooga and estimates the sizes of John Buford's and Jonathan Hunt Morgan's respective cavalry units. He laments the failed campaign into Kentucky and vividly describes the Battle of Perryville (10/8/1862). He recommends moving the negroes to Eastern Louisiana, away from the Union lines. The army has lost confidence in General Bragg, who has gone to Richmond. Was written near Knoxville, Tennessee.

GLC04501.019

29 December 1861

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

The letter provides news about the plantation crop and Randall's friends in New Orleans. Tobias Gibson believes Seward will "comply with the British demand."[Refers to the Trent Affair. Britain demanded the release of Southern Commissioners, James M. Mason and John Slidell.] Continued on 12/30. Surgeon C.M. Smith [see # 4] told Tobias he may not be able to return to duty. The North released Mason and Slidell.

GLC04501.020

15 January 1862

Gibson, William P., fl. 1862-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Randall Lee Gibson

William complains about the boredom of "Backwoods plantation." He announces a good cotton yield of 14,000 pounds, a tremendous corn yield, and his intention to plant wheat next year "so that in another year or less flour will be as cheap as the poorest wish."

GLC04501.021

30 April 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to his sister Louisiana Gibson]

Randall writes to his sister once a week, hoping that one of his letters will break the blockade and make its way across the Atlantic. He also hopes that John Slidell will be able to secure the recognition of the French government. He includes news of family and friends and stresses the importance of learning to spell correctly. Kin (a nickname for his brother John McKinley Gibson) is now his aide de camp. [excerpt] [3]…I hope Mr Slidell may be able even yet to get the French Government to appreciate our Cause and to help us. I have no doubt but that he has secured the friendship…

GLC04501.022

25 July 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Louisiana Gibson

Confidently predicts a Confederate victory against Sherman's army, which "will be driven back to the borders of the Ohio." His troops are stationed on Peach Tree Road, near the Atlanta railroad. The civilians have evacuated the town. "Louly" is Louisiana Gibson's nickname.

GLC04501.024

27 July 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

Asks about Kin's (John McKinley Gibson) health and discusses romantic relationships. He also appoints Kin as his aide de camp with military rank and pay. Includes an incomplete letter on a separate sheet labeled as GLC04501.25B, measuring 20 x 12.5 cm.

GLC04501.025

20 September 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

He is unable to send the money requested because he has no means of getting cash. The campaign in Georgia is turning in their favor. The army is between La Grange and the enemy. Written near Palmetto, Georgia.

GLC04501.026

25 September 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

Discusses financial matters, and Kin's loan. "I do not see how you can require more than $100 or $150 -- making $1800 or $2700 in Confederate Money." Also discusses rounding up stragglers, a forthcoming pay, and the state of the Army of Tennessee: "I have faith in Hood. And I believe the President will always do what he thinks is best for the country. This is a defeated army. It is in rather low spirits. Its record is a record of disaster & retreats . . . ."

GLC04501.027

26 September 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

The letter jokingly reprimands Kin *John McKinley Gibson) for his forgetfulness. "You send Thorton all the way to the army to carry your pay accounts & then neglect to give him your pay accounts . . . ."

GLC04501.028

9 November 1864

Cooper, James, fl. 1864

Manuscript document signed

Title: Special field orders no. 144

Signed by Captain James Cooper. Details Lieutenant John McKinley Gibson to the 13th La Vols. for 60 days. Written on a printed form with titled Head Quarters Army of Tennessee, Special Orders form. Docket on reverse signed by Assistant Adjutant General Hugh H [Bien]. Was written near Atlanta, Georgia.

GLC04501.029

17 November 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

His troops are moving out in the morning. He has not received any mail for quite a while. He will apply to have Kin's detail extended for 60 days.

GLC04501.030

19 November 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

A request for sugar and tea. "I prefer good English tea to coffee."

GLC04501.031

27 November 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Kin (John McKinley Gibson) is unwell. Randall assigned him duty in Mississippi, where he would be out of the winter weather and the line of battle.

GLC04501.032

14 January 1865

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Louisiana Hart Gibson

Addressed to "Louly" Louisiana Gibson's nickname. He tells her to send her letters through John Slidell. [Louly is studying in Europe.] He was pleased to hear her account of the bazaar in Liverpool. He expects his command to be sent to Louisiana soon. Signed "Lee."

GLC04501.033

17 January 1865

Cooper, Joseph, fl. 1864

Manuscript letter signed

Title: Special orders no.12

Extends Lieutenant J.M. Gibson detail to the 13th La Vols. for an additional 60 days. 3/16/65 note on verso further extends John McKinley's detail. Written on a printed Head Quartes Army of Tennessee, Special Orders form.

GLC04501.034

21 March 1865

Bekner, P.E., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: To the hands employed or expect to be employed on Mr. Gibson's plantations

Letter from the office of the Provost Marshall orders the hands on the three plantations to go to work whether or not they have an agreement. Accompanied by a U.S. Military telegraph envelope addressed to Tobias Gibson with a docket date of October 31, 1862.

GLC04501.035

18 November 1867

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to his sister Sarah Gibson]

Recipient inferred from content. He and Hart are going to the city to try to earn money, so the family must keep their hopes up and economize. Father cannot take Loula at the present time. He asks Sarah to send several of his old photographs to Miss Mary E. Montgomery (Randall's future wife) in Tremont, New York.

GLC04501.036

28 December 1867

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to his sister Sarah Gibson Humphreys]

He is going to Live Oak plantation and make plans with Tobias for next year. He hopes things will be better and plans to go to New York in January. Randall Gibson married Mary Montgomery in New York on 1/25/1868. Written on "Gibson & Austin, Attorneys at Law" letterhead from Randall Lee Gibson's law office.

GLC04501.037

3 December 1868

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Discusses sending an old man and his daughter to work at Live Oak plantation. Mentions purchasing articles for his wife. The family's poor financial circumstances continue. A heart felt letter in which Randall discusses family quarrels and jealousies arising from his financial success and his ability to help the family. Written on "Gibson & Austin, Attorneys at Law" letterhead from Randall Lee Gibson's law office.

GLC04501.038

14 [July] 1869

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

He has managed to pay an additional $290.25 on their debt, which should be paid off next year. Written on "Gibson & Austin, Attorneys at Law" letterhead from Randall Lee Gibson's law office.

GLC04501.039