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Autograph Letter Signed FRANCIS W. PICKENS Civil War Governor of South Carolina

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 5,000.00 USD
Autograph Letter Signed FRANCIS W. PICKENS Civil War Governor of South Carolina
Autographs
Governor Francis Pickens of South Carolina Reinstates the Commission of CSA General James Simons, at Charleston Who Fired Upon the “Star of the West” the Ship Sent to Relieve Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, Starting Civil War
FRANCIS W. PICKENS (1805-1869). Governor of South Carolina at the start of the Civil War.
January 8, 1861-Dated Civil War, Exceedingly Rare and Important Historic Autograph Letter Signed, “F.W. Pickens”, 1 page, measuring 4.5” x 7.25”, at Charleston, SC, Choice Very Fine. Just ONE DAY after the date of this Letter, on January 9, 1861, General Simons accepted orders from Governor Pickens authorizing him to fire upon the “Star of the West,” the ship sent to relieve Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, which prevented that ship from passing, and constituted the very First Shots of the American Civil War. Governor Pickens of South Carolina re-instates the commission of General James Simons, of the Fourth Brigade of Charleston. Simons was in command of the Fourth Brigade on Morris Island during the first attack on Fort Sumter, on April 12, 1861. Written to Brig. Gen. James Simons. This Extraordinary, Highly Important Civil War Letter reads, in full:

“Charleston - 8th Jan’y 1861 --- Dear Sir,

I received your of this date a few moments since, in which you say ‘I have the honour to apply to your Excellency to restore to me the Commission of Brigadier General 4th Brigade Infantry which I had the honour to resign, and which your Excellency accepted.’ It affords me great pleasure to restore it and the order shall be given to that effect. --- I have the honour to be with perfect respect, --- Yours truly, - (Signed) F. W. Pickens”.

Of the South Carolina State militia, the largest organized body was the Fourth Brigade of Charleston, commanded by Brig. Gen. James Simons. This body of troops was well organized, well drilled and armed, and was constantly under the orders of the governor and in active service from the 27th of December, 1860, to the last of April, 1861. Some of the commands continued in service until the Confederate regiments, battalions and batteries were organized and finally absorbed all the effective material of the brigade. Distinguished officers of this brigade included Col. James Johnson Pettigrew (later Brig. Gen. CSA), in command of the First Regiment of Rifles.

Having his commission "restored" as a Secessionist in service of his state, Simons was in command of the Fourth Brigade on Morris Island during first attack on Fort Sumter, April 12, 1861. Just one day after the date of this letter (on January 9, 1861), Simons accepted orders from Pickens authorizing him to fire upon the Star of the West, the ship sent to relieve Major Anderson at Fort Sumter, which prevented the ship from passing, and constituted the very first shots of the war. Anderson made a formal protest to Gov. Pickens, but Pickens replied that the sending of reinforcements would be considered a hostile act as South Carolina was now independent, and that attack must be repelled.