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Description

Supplying the Confederate Army in September 1861 -- Payment in Treasury Notes

Partially legible letter, apparently written from Jackson, Mississippi to a supplier in Grenada.  

Incudes a discussion of supplying swords, barrels breadstuff, and a reference to Confederate General Samuel Gibbs French.

Wellaston(?) Dept Army "Miss" Jackson Septr 3rd 1861

Mr. John Haynes, Grenada

Yours favn? of 30th & 31st ??? hand, content noted -- we would have given the gentlemen at Grenada and Goodman contracts for making camp equipment if we had knwon earlier of their offers, as it is ??? ??? is under contract and being rapidly complete.

As regards the furnishing of swords to officers -- we haved nothing to do with -- this beloning to the Dept of Chief of Ordnance -- Col. French -- to whom they must make application.

Glad to hear that you have secured the lot of meat mentioned -- you say you are satisifed you can procure any quantity of bread-stuffs for the army whert Missi payable in Treasury notes we wont? thank you to contract for 1000 barrels and will furnish the notes upon your order. -- Will continue shipping your eqipate &c. as in ?? it.

Very ??? &c. 

The Colonel French referenced is Samuel Gibbs French.   

Samuel Gibbs French, born on November 22, 1818, in New Jersey, was a distinguished American military officer whose career spanned several significant conflicts and roles. A graduate of the United States Military Academy in 1843, French embarked on a military path that saw him actively participate in the Mexican-American War as a captain in the U.S. Army. His service in this conflict was marked by his wounding at the Battle of Buena Vista.

Post-Mexican War, French's life took a turn towards civilian pursuits when he resigned his commission in 1856. He moved to Mississippi to manage a plantation he acquired through marriage. However, the onset of the American Civil War in 1861 prompted French to reenter military service, this time aligning with the Confederacy.   French was made a lieutenant colonel and chief of ordnance of the Army of Mississippi on February 12, 1861 and brigadier general in the provisional army of the Confederate States of America on October 23, 1861. 

French's Confederate service was primarily in the Eastern Theater, where he commanded the Department of North Carolina and Southern Virginia. Later, he was transferred to the Western Theater, playing a significant role in the Army of Tennessee. His leadership was crucial during several key campaigns, including the attempt to relieve the Siege of Vicksburg, the Atlanta campaign, and the Franklin-Nashville campaign. Over his military career, French participated in thirty-five engagements, reflecting his extensive and varied combat experience.