Johnson, Adams Rankin, 1834-1922 to General John Hunt Morgan
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02214 Author/Creator: Johnson, Adams Rankin, 1834-1922 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 1864 Pagination: 2 p. ; 19.6 x 10.8 cm. Order a Copy
General Johnson, who served in a cavalry unit under Morgan, writes, "We are all exceedingly anxious to be on the war path again, and next to yourself no one is more anxious to Show both the Yankees and our friends that there is Life in the old Band Yet." Refers to his improving health. Date previously inferred. Some text and Johnson's signature are cross-written. Says "You will be as much gratified have no doubt as I was to see Col°. Martin - his account of the arrangements made and the many probable features of success of your previous plans may cause you to regret more than ever that you were prevented making the attempt. We are all exceedingly anxious to be on the war path again and next to yourself no one is more anxious to show both the Yankees and our Friends that there is Life in the Old Band yet. You spoke of carrying all of your dismounted men. Would it not be a good idea to adopt the old Voltiguer System or two men to a horse. Such a plan presents more features of success to my mind the men would be far better satisfied if kept together. They would be easier mounted having the advantage of the mounted men, they would carry the moral effect of infantry creating the impression that your force was much more formidable than it would be with cavalry alone, and I am of the opinion that by changing occasionally the footman would be able to keep up with the mounted men. There are some few objections to a mixed command on such a thing, but I think the very novelty of such an arrangement would more than counterbalance these…."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.