Confederate officer (1833–1862) who fought at Cumberland Gap and was killed in action while leading his brigade charge against Union artillery emplacements during the Battle of Stones River at Murfreesboro. Civil War–dated LS signed “Jas. E. Rains,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 6.75 x 9, Hd. Qrs. Forces Cum[berland] Ford, September 20, 1862. Letter to a general. In full: "Your orders have been received and executed. The command is just moving. The information I had yesterday of Col. Morgan being at Barboursville was deemed reliable, at the time. But upon reflection, today, I cannot think that he is there in command of four hundred men. There was certainly a force of our cavalry there yesterday morning; but I cannot believe that it was Morgan. Two or three persons have stated to me positively, that they passed there, and saw the force, & that Morgan was in command. Their statement is corroborated by the testimony of five Southern rights men who were released by the Yankees at Flat Lick yesterday morning—; & who state to me that information was received in the camps of the enemy of a rebel force being at Barboursville, and that in consequence thereof they hurried off on the Manchester Road, in the utmost alarm. Col. Allston will send a force forward to ascertain the facts. Captain English’s company of Col. Palmer's regiment will report to you, tonight. We will encamp at Flat Lick tonight and there await further orders. Col. Allston with a heavy force has been ordered to scout the Manchester Road, & to accomplish what he can by picking up stragglers, cutting off trains &c, but not to engage any considerable force of the enemy with out the cooperation of Morgan, as directed in your note of this morning." Followed by a brief postscript, in full: "A good many men are barefooted." Professionally inlaid into a larger off-white sheet. In fine condition, with unobtrusive intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through first letter of his last name), and overall toning. Earlier in 1861 and 1862, Rains had successfully defended the Cumberland Gap from numerous Union attacks; however, Union forces led by General George W. Morgan finally outflanked Rains and took the position in June 1862. Just three days before Rains wrote this letter, Confederate troops forced Morgan to begin retreating from the key location. Later that year, on December 31, 1862, Rains was shot through the heart and killed instantly. An extraordinarily rare letter, this is especially desirable as it dates to the time and place of Rains’s most valuable contributions during battle. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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