Letter from J. W. Matthews to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; September 22, 1861

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Letter from J. W. Matthews to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; September 22, 1861

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People

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 Lowry, William B.Matthews, J. W.Matthews, James H.Moore, William H.Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867

Events

Military Engagements Military Engagements--Bull Run, 1st Battle of, Va., 1861 Military Events--Invasions

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Confederate States of America. Army. Mississippi. Infantry Regiment, 11th Confederate States of America. Army. Mississippi. Infantry Regiment, 11th. Company A Confederate States of America. Army. Mississippi. Infantry Regiment, 11th. Company I United States. Navy

Organizations

Confederate States of America--War Department. Quartermaster Department

Places

Alabama--Mobile County. Mobile Louisiana--Orleans Parish. New Orleans Mississippi--Benton County. Salem Mississippi--Harrison County. Ship Island Sectors of Land--Mississippi. Gulf Coast Virginia Virginia--Independent City. Manassas

Social Identifiers

Military Status--Military families

Vital Statistics

Wounds and injuries

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[seal]

Salem Missi Sept 22^nd 1861

His Exlncy John J. Petus

Dear Sir

My Son James H. Matthews was among the first volunteers Sent to Virginia He was a Private in the University Greys in Col Moores Regiment and was with that Company in their desperate & glorious conflict at Manassas He was Honorably discharged after the Battle on account of having his ancle put out of place and becoming so lame that he was unable to perform foot service from present indications it is certain that we will have a desperate attempt made on our southern coast the landing will probably be made on our southern seaboard with a view to attack when N Orleans or Mobile & he wishes active service which will enable him to be on horseback he prefers service at least during this winter South If you can give him any position or through your influence with the officers obtain it for him you would greatly oblige both him & me he is moral temperate (never tasting spirits) energetic & brave I refer you to Col Moore or his Capt Lowry If he could get the position of Quarter Master. Quarter Master Sergeant Sergent Major or adjutant of a Regiment he would take any of those position I am rejoiced to see that you are taking

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energetic steps to repel the invader the croakers will see the wisdom of your measures before the month is out. 20000 men with a large naval force are on their way south & I have no doubt but they will attempt the invasion of our state their first attack will probably be made on Ship Island with a view to a Safe harbor or the base for future operations, for the sake of our beloved state be prepared for them and all this part of the State will sustain you in the most energitic measures regardless of the expense you will get the vote of this part of the state whoever may oppose you but I suppose you will have no opposition please answer me as soon as convenient as James is impatient to be in service wishing you Success in all you delicate and responsible duties I remain sincerely your Friend J. W. Matthews

Sept 22^nd 1861

J W Matthews

will take pleasure in aiding your son to get any position suited to his present condition troops all going into Confederate service

President can alone appoint staff officers