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WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Militaria Start Price:150.00 USD Estimated At:300.00 - 400.00 USD
WILLIAM H. RICHARDSON
Virginia Adjutant General, early on signing orders in place of Robert E. Lee. Fine content pre-war A.L.S. as Adjutant General, 1p. 4to., [Richmond], Oct. 27, 1860 to Col. Samuel Downing. Richardson discusses issues related to forming and arming a militia company and explains that "now we have only flintlock muskets and a limited number of accoutrements", but hopes to procure more muskets soon, and assures the colonel that efforts to procure more arms are already under way. In part: "...The Governor is extremely aware of the hazards of the times & of the exposed situation of your & other sections of the Tidewater region, and desires me to assure you that it is his most anxious wish to place them, as speedily as he can, in the best possible position of defense...The pistols that had been procured will be apportioned by the Governor among the Cavalry occupying the most exposed positions, but there are not enough to supply field officers...I hope the Cavalry in your Regiment will soon be prepared to receive arms...". Quick expansion of the state militia was clearly a high priority in Richmond, as Lincoln's election and inevitable secession was clearly in the cards. Very good.