Letter from Stephen Winston to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; January 4, 1863

Documents
Letter from Stephen Winston to Mississippi Governor John J. Pettus; January 4, 1863

Document Network
Document Metadata

Each transcribed document contains links that connect it to other documents on the same topic in the collection.

People

Magruder, John Bankhead, 1807-1871 Pettus, John Jones, 1813-1867 Pettus, Susan Hewell Winston, John Anthony, 1812-1871 Winston, Stephen P.

Events

Military Engagements Military Engagements--Galveston, Battle of, Tex., 1863

Military Units

Confederate States of America. Army Confederate States of America. Army. Artillery Under Review United States. Navy

Places

Texas Texas--Galveston County Texas--Galveston County. Galveston

Vital Statistics

Wounds and Injuries

Page 1

[seal]

Gun Boat "J H Bell"
January 4^th 1863

Gov, Pettus

Dear sir—

You have, no doubt, heard of our victory at Galveston. Loss about equal so far as we know. we took the "Harriet Lane" (steam ship of war mounting six guns)—,two boats and one small schooner.—The gun boat—"Westfield" was burnt by the enemy to prevent her falling into our hands: Anthony Winston was in the fight, acting volunteer aid to Gen Magruder—I volunteered as a private in a company of heavy artillery and was in the hotest place of the fight—without being able to do much. Neither of us hurt—though I had some narrow escapes,

The "H Lane" is by this time in condition to make as good a fight as she ever could

Page 2

The Gen,, will hold Galveston against all comers.

I wish you to get me appointed Capt,, of Artillery if you can, not that I am ambitious of military distinction, but I am convinced that I can be of great service to my country in that position out here, There are no heavy artillerist out here that I know of, and from ^what^ I saw in the fight—I know I can do more than four time ~~all~~ as much as several holding that rank. It is not an enviable position at present, and I ask it only bicause I feel it my duty to offer my services where I think I can be of most benefit.

Let me hear from you as soon as possible—and send your letter by some one coming out here; the mails are too uncertain,

I hope to God you all will be able to hold ~~the~~ your position in the Mississippi Valley. Whip the enemy there and we are safe.

Page 3

I am on another hunt for a fight, but the game we are hunting is wild, We will probably have another battle ^at^ Galveston soon—but if they will give us a few days longer, we will be prepared for them. Do not urge my appointment, but let it come freely if at all. By the regulation I should be major or Lieut,, Col, of artillery,, and without flattery can say I could have filled the position as well as some who now hold it.

I write you in haste—

Give my love to your wife and children.
I am Your's &c

Stephen. P, Winston

P. S. We have just recieved news from Galveston. A large transport with six or seven companies of the 42^nd Mass,, on board, made Galveston for yesterday. The "Lane" hoisted the U. S, ^flag^ and sent a pilot out who brought her in safe. They must be in some confusion down here, S P W

Page 4

Stephen B Winston