Letter from J. W. Stevens to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; May 15, 1861

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Letter from J. W. Stevens to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; May 15, 1861

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People

Lamar, L. Q. C. (Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus), 1825-1893 Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Stevens, J. W.

Events

Military Events--Recruiting and enlistment Wars and Military Conflicts--War of 1812

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Confederate States of America. Army. Artillery Mississippi. Militia

Places

Mississippi--Alcorn County. Rienzi Mississippi--Tippah County. Ripley

Page 1

[seal]

Ripley Miss, May 15th 1861,

His Excellency, Govr Pettus

Dear Sir

recently, in attempting to raise an artillery company, for our Southern Service, I found much objection to such Company, from the fact, that nothing is known of artillery service, they supposing, it Entirely different from that of Infantry. I have however, produced a better feeling, and am now Enrolling some Names, Which I hope to increase to a full Company, I am asked, often, What is the pay of artillery, from Captain down to privates—I have a letter now before me from Rienzi to the same Effect, I am geting men there, for the Company, the only ans^r I can give is, that I suppose it does not differ very materially from that of the United States, War of 1812, with Which, I am acquainted, having Entered that Service at 17 years of age, first a Volunteer of artillery and after, a subaltern of the same chairs and up to 1854, commanded a Regiment of militia artillery, If there has been published, a pay table, I will be much gratified to receive a copy, which will ans^r Questions on the subject..... I will most respectfully, ask, If there is a good Drum and Fife to spare,— will you have them sent to me (via Lamar) from which, I will have them brought by steps—under a promise, that the most special care will be taken of them, and should I fail, in Completing a Company, (Which Heaven forbid,) I will retiurn them safe to you, and If I Succeed,) with your permission, will return them, and Sound Southern notes, in the Ear of a reckless foe,

Experience, has long taught me, that music charms the Ear of all classes, and with it, the ranks will fill up

Page 2

When the voice, points to the object, and to our Flag, that is moor to be lowered, to vandalism,—seeking to be inaugurated as us.

I am Sir
Very respectfully
your Excelencys, Most
Obt St

J. W, Stevens

Page 3

Volunteer Comp
Ans

42
& 8c

HIs Excelency,—
— Gov, Pettus,
Jackson
Miss,