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DeSaussure, Wilmot Gibbes, 1822-1886 to Milledge Luke Bonham

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06373 Author/Creator: DeSaussure, Wilmot Gibbes, 1822-1886 Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 September 1863 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 25.5 cm, Width: 20.2 cm Order a Copy

DeSaussure, possibly a member of the South Carolina General Assembly, discusses a proposed Assembly meeting. Informs Bonham, Governor of South Carolina, "The command under me is of such a character that were I to leave here... I believe they could not be held together in any harmony or concert whatever, and that it would lead to much confusion at a time when concert of action is so greatly needed. This is not said from any egotism or vanity... but simply arises from the fact that having for over two years been regarded by whatever militia organization there has been in Charleston as a common head." Predicts that if he were to leave his post, disagreement would arise between Colonel Mcgrath's and Colonel Wagener's regiments. Informs Bonham "The enemy are very hard at work. At battery Wagner they have placed a heavy battery on the marsh face looking towards James Island... From it doubtless they propose to fire upon the James Island batteries." Mentions Union activity at Fort Gregg and other locations in the Charleston Harbor. Cites the arrival of Blakely guns and a new torpedo boat. Referring to Generals Henry Alexander Wise and Roswell Sabine Ripley.

DeSaussure, Wilmot Gibbes, 1822-1886
Bonham, Milledge Luke, 1813-1890
Ripley, R. S. (Roswell Sabine), 1823-1887
Wise, Henry Alexander, 1806-1876

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