Brevet lieutenant colonel (1838–1895) in the Army Ordnance Department. Civil War–dated ALS, four pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, West Point, June 6, 1861. Letter to a friend. In part: “I have finished all my laboratory duty, my shot and shells are all prepared and my fireworks made. Consequently, I have a few moments this afternoon to write to my Miss Paige. Lt. McCook, according to the last reports has concluded not to resign, but if he cannot prevail upon the authorities to detach him, he will remain in his regiment. He was in Pennsylvania last week and also in Virginia, but only temporarily. The best way to write to him would be in care of the Adjutant General (L. Thomas) via Washington. Officers do not remain in the same place long in times like these. Bob Williams is Assist Adj‘t Gen'l with the rank of Captain. He also is in Washington I believe but nobody knows for certain…I was very sorry to hear about Chambliss and Horton. Their names were 'stricken from the rolls for having tendered their resignations in order to avoid being called into active service.' There is no explanation necessary, you know as well as I do how they come to resign. The exact circumstances I have not heard. I do not know where Kirby is now. DuPont went into the Engineers but I heard that he has been transferred into one of the new Infantry regiments as a high 1st Lieutenant.” In fine condition. RR Auction COA.
