One of the South’s Most Colorful General’s, James A. Walker Writes from Appomattox Court House on April 10th, 1865 – He had Future General Thomas Jackson for a Professor at VMI, Upset at the Strict Disciplinarian, He Challenged Jackson to a Duel !! IN WHAT WAS PERHAPS THE MOST IRONICAL EVENT IN THE CIVIL WAR, JACKSON ON HIS DEATH BED REQUESTED THAT WALKER LEAD HIS BELOVED STONEWALL BRIGADE
This legal-size document written in nice dark pencil on blue imported stationery is headed, “Hd. Qrs. Early’s Div’n April 10th /65”. “AS THE ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA IS ABOUT TO BE DISBANDED.” In this letter, James A. Walker writes a glowing testimony to the bravery of Lieut. W. W. Larkin. Larkin had served in the 49th Virginia Infantry and had been wounded twice both at Fredericksburg and Seven Pines. Recently he was in command of the Provost Guard Division “and when the enemy broke through the lines of my Brig. at Petersburg on the 2nd ult., you marched with your guards to the rescue with a promptness & alacrity that elicits my highest commendation. AND NOW IN THE HOUR OF DISASTER, I FIND YOU AMONGST THE NOBLE FEW WHO GATHER AROUND THE STANDARD OF THE SOUTH.”
Read our complete transcript of this great, great letter. Written right in the field there is some staining and a few small holes at the fold… overall fine condition for such a historic piece. The finest Walker letter we have owned.
#L4-10-65 – Price $2,795
Transcription:
Hd. Qrs. Early’s Div’n
April 10th /65
Lieut.
As the Army of Northern Va. is about to be disbanded & you, as Commandant of the Provost Guard of the Division, have been more immediately under my eye & direction, whist I have been in command, I take this final opportunity to express my high appreciation of your conduct as an officer & to tender you my warm regards & wishes for your future welfare. You have ever been attentive to your duties in camp & on the battlefield; and when the enemy broke through the lines of my Brig. at Petersburg on the 2nd ult., you marched with your guards to the rescue with a promptness & alacrity that elicits my highest commendation. And now in the hour of disaster, I find you amongst the noble few who gather around the standard of the South. Such continued conduct of perseverance, courage, & high honor in the line of duty will ever secure to you the approbation & esteem of all good men, as you have mine.
I am yours,
Very Respectfully J. A. Walker Brig. General
Lieut. W. W. Larkin Comd’g Prov. Guard
