Copy of letter from Philip P. Slaughter to Brigadier General Marshall

Scope and content:

Written from Abingdon, Virginia. Letter regards contradictory orders and illness of William D. Stuart and men.

Language:

English .

Other descriptive data:

Abingdon Dec. 27th 1861

To-
Brig. Gen. Marshall

Sir,
I am in receipt of your order of the 22nd inst. as well as your Special Order No. 8. It is a source of exceeding regret and much mortification to me, to find myself in so crippled a condition at such a critical junction. Twice since being here I have prepared transportation in accordance with orders, once to join your command, which, when I got ready, I was compelled to decline by an order from Gen. Crittenden "to go immediately to Nashville and report to Gen. A. S. Johnston. I then went to work to get transportation by rail, to Nashville, which I after some days effected. My men were at the Depot ready to march on the cars, when I received a telegram to remain and go with you; since which time I have not been able to collect the necessary No. of waggons to convey the Regt. in obedience to orders.

The Regt. is reduced lower than one half its original size, and is at present in a very debilitated condition. Col. Stuart, by reason of sickness has not been able to take command of the Regt. since leaving Richmond. Maj. Green is absent, all of which combine to place me in a very unenviable position upon the receipt of your orders.

As to the matter of transportation, I have only eight or ten wagons and no horses, as the Quartermaster informs me.

I shall endeavor to the utmost of my ability to move at the earliest time possible and most sincerely hope I may be able to join you in season to render some assistance in the existing emergency.

This will be handed to you by Capt. T. Smith of the 56th Regt. in whom you can place all confidence.

I did not see your courier or I should have dispatched by him. He left before I could reach the village.

I am sir very respectfully
Your obt. Servt.
Philip P. Slaughter
Lt. Col. Comd. 56th Va. Regt.

Subjects:

United States—History—Civil War, 1861-1865—Personal narratives—Confederate
Confederate States of America. Army—Virginia Infantry Regiment, 56th
Correspondence

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