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GATLIN, RICHARD C.

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GATLIN, RICHARD C.
(1809-1896) Confederate brigdier general and North Carolina's adjutant and inspector general. Rare A.L.S. "R.C. Gatlin, Brvt. Major", 2pp. 4to., Indianola, Texas, Mar. 18, 1861, written just after Texas seceded from the Union and just a month before Ft. Sumter! At the time, Gatlin was a Major in the U.S. Army and was travelling through Texas from New Mexico on his way to a new assignment in Arkansas. Future Confederate General David Twiggs surrendered all Union military bases in the region to the state leaving Union troops stranded and attempting to find their way home. Gatlin writes to the Assistant Adjutant General for the Department of Texas in San Antonio in part: "...I arrived at this place on the 16th. inst. from Fort Craig, New Mexico, bringing with me Privates Gibney and Keine, of Co. F 7th. Infantry, designing to send them back with the public wagon and team used in transporting my baggage. In consequence of the breaking up of the posts on the line to New Mexico, this will be impracticable, I have therefore to request that they be ordered to New York or New Port, Ky., with the first troops leaving this State...with the view of joining their Company with the first detachment of Recruits going to New Mexico...". Upon his arrival at Fort Smith, Arkansas, the Confederates arrested him. Placed on parole, he had a change of heart and resigned his commission in May of 1861. By July 1861 he was a brigadier general. Usual horizontal folds, 1/2" fold spit at right margin, otherwise very good to fine condition.