Item No. 9990520

Three letters written by Colonel John Logan Black of the 1st South Carolina Cavalry to Captain William A. Walker of Company D (the “Chester Troop”), regarding the procurement of revolvers, horses, and equipment for Walker’s company, as well as the colonel’s plan to organize a tenth company. He also mentions having destroyed a large quantity of cotton bales. Black, a prewar planter from Fairfield District, organized the 1st South Carolina Cavalry Battalion as its lieutenant colonel in 1861 and was promoted to colonel when it became a full regiment in 1862. Wounded multiple times during the war, including at Upperville and Second Brandy Station, he led the regiment through many of the Army of Northern Virginia's principal cavalry campaigns, including the Battle of Gettysburg, before serving in the defense of South Carolina and the Carolinas campaign. He surrendered with Joseph E. Johnston's army in April 1865.

The first letter was written shortly after the Federal capture of Port Royal in November 1861. In it, Colonel Black, writing from Adams Run, says he “will see what can be done towards furnishing your company with over coats.” He later states, “Your Revolvers are here and two wagons will soon be ready for you with excellent teams” and he would “also have for you a Feed bag, Gun sling, Link, Cartridge box, cap box, and pair of saddle bags for each man.” He wishes Walker to “send one of your Lts here” to “receive and take back such of the above articles as are ready.” At the end of the brief letter, Black writes, “Have in fact had a lively time for some days past. One thousand bales of cotton have been burnt by my order last few days.”

In the second letter, written in early May 1862, Black arranges for the horse of a “Mr. Worthy” to be sent home (likely James H. Worthy of Company D, who had died). He also discusses sending Lieutenant R. S. Lewis “to ship his personal effects by Express to his Father.”

The last letter of the group was written at the end of May 1862, just before the battalion reorganized as a regiment. In preparation for this, Black states:

I am trying to make up the 10th company from the surplus men in the Larger companies. This can only be done by the consent of the Captains & men. My object in writing you is to know if you will consent to some men Leaving your company and one Sergeant. One of the party that goes will get a commission. Please answer ma at once and write me a letter if you give your consent that I can show your company.

Black writes at the end of the letter, “I am on an everlasting court martial. Have already tried over 20 cases,” adding that “the health of the troops is as good or better than when you left.”

The letters are in various sizes and are creased at their original folds. One of the original transmittal covers is included. The full letter transcripts appear below.

Letter No. 1:

Adams Run So. Car. Nov 30th 61

Dear Sir
I have your letter and will see what can be done towards furnishing your company with over coats as soon as Capt. Fayssoux, who is to be my quartermaster, joins me. This I hope will be in a few days. You must first inform me whether or not you have drawn your clothing money. Do this avance.

Your Revolvers are here and two wagons will soon be ready for you with excellent teams. I can perhaps arrange for you to purchase your own teams directing you in the price. I have an order for ten teams & have drawn three splendid ones. I will also have for you a Feed bag, Gun sling, Link, Cartridge box, cap box, and pair of saddle bags for each man.

I wish you would send one of your Lts here and you can issue an order to him to come to this place. And issue a transportation ticket so that he can receive and take back such of the above articles as are ready.

I have the promise that your company will be sent here. We are now next to the coast. The Enemy […] & hope will have something to do. Have in fact had a lively time for some days past. One thousand bales of cotton have been burnt by my order last few days.

Write me whether you need wagons where you are or not.
Respectfully
Your Obt Svt
Jno. L. Black

Letter No. 2:

Adams Run May 6th 1862

Capt. W. A. Walker

Dear Sir
I receive a letter from you some days since with a request that I would answer avance. I owe you an apology for not doing so, having been very busy about that time. I however sent you a message by Lt. Wilson.

The horse of Mr. Worthy will be sent home. I had a transportation ticket procured for the horse before Lt. Wilson left. I will direct Lt. Lewis to ship his personal effects by Express to his Father per Adams Express. His wages will be paid over to his father’s order so soon as collected. Lewis seeking a schedule, a copy of which I will forward to you for Mr. Worthy.

I report hear that you are still on the sick list. I hope that you will speedily recover.
Yours with Respect
Jno. L. Black

Letter No. 3:

Adams Run May 30th 1862

Capt. W. A. Walker

Dear Sir
I am trying to make up the 10th company from the surplus men in the Larger companies. This can only be done by the consent of the Captains & men. My object in writing you is to know if you will consent to some men Leaving your company and one Sergeant. One of the party that goes will get a commission. Please answer ma at once and write me a letter if you give your consent that I can show your company.

I am sorry to hear that you are still confined & hope you are improving. I am on an everlasting court martial. Have already tried over 20 cases.

The health of the troops is as good or better than when you left.
Respectfully Yours
J. L. Black