Confederate general. A strict disciplinarian to his subordinates that at least one of them physically assaulted him. When Taliaferro and other officers protested the poor conditions of the winter quarters Maj. Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson had assigned to them, he began his relationship with his new superior on poor footing. This relationship did not improve when Taliaferro made denigrating comments about Jackson, or when he personally intrigued against Jackson in Richmond, Virginia. After a period on detached service, Taliaferro, by then a brigadier general, returned to serving under Jackson. Taliaferro commanded well in Jackson's Shenandoah Valley Campaign in the spring of 1862, and distinguished himself at McDowell and First Winchester. He took part in the fighting at Port Republic; Cedar Mountain; Grovetown, where he was wounded three times; and Fredericksburg. Unsigned partial ALS, eight pages, 5.5 x 8, June 30, 1861. Letter to his wife, Sally Lyons, written from Camp Laurel Mountain, “in the wilderness cut off from all communication with the outer world.” In part, “Our camp is secluded on the western slope with Laurel Mountain near the base. The turnpike road runs through it and bisects it. Hills rise on either side of the road…On 2nd of these hills is plastered a battery of artillery behind earth works…I enclose a very rough sketch I have just made of the positions of the troops. Our situation is much the most exposed.” Letter is accompanied by Taliaferro’s original hand-inked sketch entitled “Rough Plan of Camp at Laurel Mountain,” depicting troop and battery placements. In fine condition, with expected folds and light toning. R&R COA.
