Letter from Edward P. Jones to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; May 20, 1861

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Letter from Edward P. Jones to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; May 20, 1861

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People

Haynes, M. D.Jones, Edward P.Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Confederate States of America. Army. Mississippi. Infantry Regiment, 21st Confederate States of America. Army. Mississippi. Infantry Regiment, 21st. Company I

Organizations

Confederate States of America--War Department. Ordnance Department

Places

Mississippi--Hinds County. Jackson Mississippi--Sunflower County Sectors of Land--Mississippi. Gulf Coast

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[seal]

Jackson, May 20^th,, 1861.

To His Excellency J. J. Pettus.
Gov^r. & Commander in Chief
of the State of Mississippi.

Sir:

When in this City, two weeks ago. I applied, through Hon: M. D. Haynes, to the Military Authorities of the State, for a supply of muskets, to be placed in the hands of a Military Company, formed in the County of Sunflower,

I was apprized that none but muskets with flint-locks, could be obtained, and agreed to accept them in that form, and have them converted into percussion-locks at our own expense. [gap] On this con-dition I received a promise that the arms would be granted our Company, and forwarded assurances to the that effect, to gentlemen in my County.

I only postponed calling for a delivery, until I might ascertain the best point at which the proposed change in construction could be accomplished.

On my return to this City, I have been

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informed by an officer of the Ordnance Department that the muskets cannot be furnished, because our Company has not been yet "Mustered into Service".

Since the receipt of this notice, I have learned in a conversation with yourself, that the Military Board had decided to supply arms to a certain extent, to the Valley and Sea-board Counties, (in view of their peculiar exposure): on the organization of Military Companies therein, without reference to immediate Service under the Confederate Government.

The Company, in whose behalf I have presented this application, are now partly in Camp, uniformed and undergoing military instruction, without Charge to the State, and it will doubtless cause them disappointment should the public arms promised, be ~~[?]~~ withheld. [gap] We would cheerfully purchase our own muskets, or rifles, if to be found in any market accessible to us.

According to the proclamation recently issued from your office, it is understood, that our Company cannot at this time be mustered into Service, for the

Confederate Army.

Under these circumstances, I beg leave to enquire of your Excellency, whether I can have the muskets placed at my disposal now, on giving satisfactory bond (which I would execute forthwith),—or on what terms, if any, the arms desired can be furnished for the use of the Sunflower Company.

An explicit reply will be considered a favor.

I have the honor, to be with great respect, Yours

Edw^d,, P. Jones

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May 20^th 1861
E P Jones

Asking Arms for Sunflower Company