Dated “Crockett, Texas/ May 23^rd 1865. Addressed to “R.P. Rowley/ Chf Eng Dist. Texas.” 1 pp., in ink, on lined paper, 10.5 x 8”. Exhibits fold-marks, some yellowing & chipping at the margins, with light mounting stain on right margin. Else VG and entirely legible. In protective sleeve, accompanied by brief amount of research material.

This letter is from the collection of war-time correspondence of R.P. Rowley who served in various posts, at various ranks, with the Confederate Corps of Army engineers. A talented Arkansas engineer before the war, Rowley eventually joined the Confederate Corps of Engineers, being promoted from Lieutenant eventually to Major and Lieutenant Colonel, serving with the Army of Tennessee and later in the Trans-Miss. Dept, where he superintended the districts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. At the war’s end (shortly after this letter was written) he returned to Arkansas, residing on a Mississippi River plantation in Lonoke County, where he died in 1899.

On the day this letter was written—May 23, 1865-- Captain Williams’ was serving as Rowley’s subordinate in the Texas District. Three days later—May 26, 1865—General Kirby Smith surrendered the Confederate Trans-Miss to Union forces. In this letter, Williams informs Rowley, his superior, of the problems encountered in attempting to report in person, and seems to wonder, whether it is any longer even necessary

Text: “I have the honor to report my arrival at this place under orders to to report to you at Houston. On my way to this place my train was attacked by a band of cavalry and broken up entirely. My Company has disbanded. Not a man left. I am entirely unable to proceed on way to Houston without assistance and that I cannot proceed at this place. Please write me whether it will be necessary for me to proceed in person to Houston—if: will be there as soon as possible.”

Fine Confederate document that sketches Trans-Miss Dept. difficulties on the eve of surrender.

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