Confederate captain who was staff officer to General James Chalmers and delivered Nathan Bedford Forrest’s demand for the surrender of the Union garrison at Ft. Pillow. War-dated ALS signed “Walter,” one page both sides, 8.25 x 10, June 29, 1864. Letter to his father. In part: “The information is that the enemy are coming out on the railroad…I understand that Genl. Forrest thinks they are aiming for Selma & Montgomery, but I suppose that they are going to reinforce Sherman…If the war continues much longer I cannot see how we will provide ourselves with horses & mules…We may go into Middle Tennessee & make a dash at Sherman’s communications. I was astonished to hear today that Fred had run off to the Yankees—he has been disposed to behave badly in some particular for some time past but I did not think he would go off in this way. I regret his loss on many accounts—but particularly because he was so valuable as a house servant & his running will interfere very seriously with my housekeeping arrangements…If you desire to write to me direct to Genl. Forrest’s Head Quarters at Tupelo—& the letter will be forwarded to me wherever we may be.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds.
