Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) to his father Tobias Gibson
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.015 Author/Creator: Gibson, Randall Lee (1832-1892) Place Written: Columbus, KY Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1862 Pagination: 2 p. ; 27 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
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 with the Genl before he left seeing him several times every day. I do not think him, in any sense, a military man. I have no doubt but that he would make a magnificent Quartermaster - by great energy - and a mind singularly given to details - a hard working, devotedly painstaking officer - He thinks himself a gravely injured man. Point to McLellan [sic], Beauregard, Smith, Johnston, Lovell - tho all once his subordinates - he 2nd only to Scott ...We have weakened our force very much lately by sending reinforcements to Bowling Green , and might be attacked...Nothing yet from Interior Ky...."
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.