ALS War Date Letter of Confederate General Richard Griffith – Writing from Leesburg, Virginia on January 16th, 1862, He Describes the Presentation of the Mississippi Confederate Flags! Griffith would be Killed 5 Weeks Later at the Battle of Savage’s Station
In the book, Autographs of the Confederacy on page 69, Griffith is listed as “A Rare Signature”. Offered is a 4-page letter in ink along with cover. General Griffith is writing to his son Jefferson Davis Griffith who was 12 years old at the time (Griffith and C.S. President Jefferson Davis were best friends… thus the name for his son).
In the letter written from “Head Quarters, Leesburg, Va., January 16th, 1862”. Griffith writes about his son’s education, their Christmas, and other family content. There is a long section concerning the battle flag presentation and here is that paragraph:
I join you in the wish that you had been here the day I took command of the Mississippi Troops at Leesburg. The sight was a beautiful one indeed, and attracted much attention from soldiers and citizens. The Battle Flags were very handsome, indeed, and entirely different from the Confederate Flag. Since then however we have a much finer parade of the Troops. On the last day of December – always a day for a general review, inspection and muster of Troops – my command was out in full force nearly, with the Cavalry companies, and I reviewed them all at one time, and in one field. How I wished you were all here then. All those looking on pronounced it a far better display than on the Flag presentation. The Troopers carried each a bright lance, with a small Confederate Flag attached, and were much admired by all spectators, it presenting a very novel appearance. If Mam could well spare you, I would ask her to send you on to this place. You could be of much service to me, as well as to learn something of Military life. But I am unwilling to deprive Mam of your aid & society when I am absent from home, unless she is entirely willing to let you come.
It is interesting that Griffith while owning slaves treated them as family and there are several mentions of slaves in the letter. One of the mentions is a P.S. “The enclosed dollar bill is for you to make a present to any Negro of ours you wish to give it.”
Later in the war a group of soldier-musicians who served under General McLaws and had served previously under Griffith put on a play in Fredericksburg, charging an admission fee with proceeds used to erect a monument in the Mississippi State Capitol in honor of Griffith. Griffith portrait also hangs in the Jefferson Davis home and presidential library.
The cover that has a Leesburg, Va. January 20th, 1862 cancellation is addressed to, “Mrs. Genl. R. Griffith Care Col. J. D. Stewart Jackson, Mississippi”. The stamp has been cut off. The letter is in excellent condition. A wonderful example for the Civil War collector.
#L1-16-62 – Price $1,950
Transcription:
Hd. Qrs. Leesburg, Va.
January 16, 1862.
My dear son Jeffn:
A few days ago, I was made quite happy in receiving a letter from Mam, with one from you and Whitty each – and all dated 1st January – doubtless intended for a New Year’s gift. Well, it was the very best you could have sent, and I prized it very highly. I am glad, my son, you have commenced writing and hope you will continue it steadily, and write to me frequently. Being so far from home, you should know that I am anxious to hear from my dear children very often, and wish them all to learn to write letters as a part of their education. It is no small part of a child’s schooling, and much attention should be paid to it. You will find too that the more you learn, the fonder you may become of writing.
I join you in the wish that you had been here the day I took command of the Mississippi Troops at Leesburg. The sight was a beautiful one indeed, and attracted much attention from soldiers and citizens. The Battle Flags were very handsome, indeed, and entirely different from the Confederate Flag. Since then however we have a much finer parade of the Troops. On the last day of December – always a day for a general review, inspection and muster of Troops – my command was out in full force nearly, with the Cavalry companies, and I reviewed them all at one time, and in one field. How I wished you were all here then. All those looking on pronounced it a far better display than on the Flag presentation. The Troopers carried each a bright lance, with a small Confederate Flag attached, and were much admired by all spectators, it presenting a very novel appearance. If Mam could well spare you, I would ask her to send you on to this place. You could be of much service to me, as well as to learn something of Military life. But I am unwilling to deprive Mam of your aid & society when I am absent from home, unless she is entirely willing to let you come.
You speak of the pretty Christmas tree you all went to see. No doubt it was charming to the little ones that drew the prizes, & I wish I could have enjoyed it with you. But I don’t know when I can have the opportunity of going home. May be not until this war is over. You can tell Jim Gardener that I have not seen Dr. Hancock for a long time, and I don’t know whether his old master was his brother or not. It seems to me you are slow in getting the cotton all out, but I can’t see now what good it will do when it is all picked and gathered. We can keep it until the blockade is opened, which I think will happen before spring.
Well, Jeffn. I believe I have noticed nearly everything you wrote about; and with next time you would fill your letter full – tell me about all – your progress, etc. etc. I wish you to devote most of your time to studying and reading – give much attention to Mathematics and composition, and always take plenty of active exercise, and ever be obedient to what Mam says & without grumbling, and then you will be cheerful and happy. Love your brothers and little sister, and they will return your affection. You are the eldest and very naturally they will look to you for aid and protection, & your duty will be to give it whenever required. Much more my son I wished to write you, but have not time at present – will try and do so hereafter. Must write to Mam soon as I have not written to her for nearly a week. You must give Mam & Lucy my love & kiss them for me. Want to tell you all about the Army, our soldiers, Leesburg, the people and the country, but cannot do so now. If any words are used in this that you don’t comprehend, you must refer to your dictionary to understand; and keep it your companion when you read. Write to me often and I will endeavor to answer promptly. I will write to Whit soon and then to Lucy. Tell the Negroes How’de.
Your affectionate father,
R. Griffith
Upside down and sideways writing:
Page 1 -The enclosed dollar bill is for you to make a present to any Negro of ours you wish to give it. Good night my dear son – ever be a good boy. I have just read the life of Genl. Havelock in India. Get it and read it.
Page 2 -Yesterday I had a pleasant sleigh ride with some ladies & officers who called for me.
Page 3 – We have plenty of snow and sleigh bells are jingling most merrily in town.
Page 4 – Genl. Havelock was a great & good man – a character worthy of imitation.
