13 March 1863: “I was crowded to the wall, and was compelled to retire, the only alternative being to resign, or make war upon the President.”

Item description: Letter, 13 March 1863, from Gustavus Woodson Smith to Edmund Kirby-Smith. G.W. Smith writes to Kirby-Smith regarding a promotion for his friend, Jilson P. Johnson. He also comments on the recent resignation of his commission as major general.

More about Edmund Kirby Smith:
Edmund Kirby-Smith (1824-1893) was a United States Army officer, Confederate Army general, president of the University of Nashville, and professor of mathematics at the University of the South. Kirby-Smith is also considered the last Confederate general to surrender at the close of the American Civil War.

[Item transcription available below images.]

Item citation: From folder 35 of the Edmund Kirby-Smith Papers, #404Southern Historical Collection, The Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Item transcription:

Richmond March 13th 1863

My Dear Ned,

Understanding that you are assigned to command in Arkansas as well as in La. and Texas, and knowing that you will have need of the services of all the first class men you can get I recommend to your most favorable consideration my friend Jilson P. Johnson of Arkansas, formerly of Kentucky. He is a man of the highest character, great ability, indomitable energy, thoroughly acquainted with everything in Arkansas, and has great influence in the state. He will be eminently useful to you in any capacity or position upon the staff. He is now volunteer aid to General Breckinridge, but desires to have a commission and would like to serve in his own state. I have reason to believe that an application from you would secure for him any appointment in the staff you would ask.

I was crowded to the wall, and was compelled to retire, the only alternative being to resign, or make war upon the President. Of course the latter could not be done at this time. And I resigned. Wishing you every sincere and good fortune, I remain as ever.

Your friend
G.W. Smith

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