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Col. Gibson recommends officers (as surgeon, assistant surgeon, quartermaster and commissary) for the 13th Reg. La. Volunteers and inquires whether a civilian can be appointed as quartermaster. Written at Camp Chlamette.

GLC04501.008

to his father Tobias Gibson

Writes that his regiment has been ordered to Kentucky. "I am in the midst of departure for Ky. Bustle, Bustle on every hand and all alive with excitement - we go prepared for immediate action - and to sustain a sharp conflict. I believe my regiment...

GLC04501.009

to his father Tobias Gibson

Informs his father that his unit has just left New Orleans. They are the first regiment to receive orders to leave the state. Discusses local benefits given to raise money for his regiment, and the health of his brother Claude, who also commands a...

GLC04501.010

to his father Tobias Gibson

Writes that he is on the way to Columbus, Kentucky. He also stopped in Memphis to visit relatives. Discusses his sister Louly's health.

GLC04501.011

to his father Tobias Gibson

He arrived in Columbus, Kentucky in the midst of a winter storm. He is not impressed by the discipline of the Confederate troops. He has gained 15 pounds in 2 months and visited relatives in Vicksburg.

In part:
"Well you see we are at last in...

GLC04501.012

to his father Tobias Gibson

Randall describes a prisoner exchange between Grant and Cheatham. He comments that Grant "had somewhat the appearance of a gentlemen but the rest seemed to me impudent upstarts--some made confidence in the 'on to New Orleans' intention and all of...

GLC04501.013

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...

GLC04501.014

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...

GLC04501.015

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...

GLC04501.016

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...

GLC04501.017

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...

GLC04501.018

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)...

GLC04501.019

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...

GLC04501.020

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...

GLC04501.021

[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...

GLC04501.022

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...

GLC04501.024

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...

GLC04501.025

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

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:...

GLC04501.027

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

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...

GLC04501.029

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

to his brother John McKinley Gibson

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

GLC04501.031

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

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...

GLC04501.033