VARIOUS PROPERTIES
JACKSON, THOMAS J. ("Stonewall"), General, C.S.A. Autograph letter signed ("T J Jackson LtGen") to Brigadier General J.R. Jones, n.d. [just after 23 January 1863]. 1 page, 4to, on blue lined paper, written on the verso of an ALS from Jones to Jackson, 23 January 1863, folds very slightly weak.
Details
JACKSON, THOMAS J. ("Stonewall"), General, C.S.A. Autograph letter signed ("T J Jackson LtGen") to Brigadier General J.R. Jones, n.d. [just after 23 January 1863]. 1 page, 4to, on blue lined paper, written on the verso of an ALS from Jones to Jackson, 23 January 1863, folds very slightly weak.
General Jones's letter asks Jackson if he will give permission for "an acquaintance" to open a sutler's shop at Guiney's Depot, where much of Jackson's command is billeted. His friend, besides being "an upright citizen," Jones writes, "has lost all his negroes and all else upon which he has depended to make a living for his family." His sons are "in the army and he is dependant upon his own exertions. There are at present a number of citizens doing business there, and "further competition will result in benefit to the soldiers...."
"There have been such strong complaints about the disorders or irregularity at Guiney's Depot that I have only authorized one store there Floyd's & Co. consisting of two partners one belonging to each Corps & I am opposed to any more [stores] being there, & regret that any more are there. But the 1st Corps I believe has some. I do not feel at liberty to interfere with them. Genl. Lee had called my attention to the irregulatities which existed there, but has restricted my authority at the place. My own opinion was that no sutlers establishment should be at Guiney's: but owing to the Provost Marshall's stating that it would contribute to the comfort of the sick to have one I consented to his recommendation + as its partners represented each corps no more were necessary. There is a store there which I have not the authority to interfere with as it was established before the arrival of the army & is licensed...The Provost Marshall is responsible to me for the order of the place and it appears to me inexpedient to increase his responsibility. He tells me that before the large number of sutlers establishments were broken up, that nearly 1000 men were there daily. Division commands have authority to grant permissions to sell withing the limits of their commands. I wish your request could be granted: but it appears to me that it is inexpedient. Since the number of establishments have been broken up, articles have been sold at more moderate notes to our soldiers who before were shamefully imposed on [i.e., overcharged]. Floyd & Co by keeping their prices exposed enables all to purchase on the same terms which before was not the case...."
General Jones's letter asks Jackson if he will give permission for "an acquaintance" to open a sutler's shop at Guiney's Depot, where much of Jackson's command is billeted. His friend, besides being "an upright citizen," Jones writes, "has lost all his negroes and all else upon which he has depended to make a living for his family." His sons are "in the army and he is dependant upon his own exertions. There are at present a number of citizens doing business there, and "further competition will result in benefit to the soldiers...."
"There have been such strong complaints about the disorders or irregularity at Guiney's Depot that I have only authorized one store there Floyd's & Co. consisting of two partners one belonging to each Corps & I am opposed to any more [stores] being there, & regret that any more are there. But the 1st Corps I believe has some. I do not feel at liberty to interfere with them. Genl. Lee had called my attention to the irregulatities which existed there, but has restricted my authority at the place. My own opinion was that no sutlers establishment should be at Guiney's: but owing to the Provost Marshall's stating that it would contribute to the comfort of the sick to have one I consented to his recommendation + as its partners represented each corps no more were necessary. There is a store there which I have not the authority to interfere with as it was established before the arrival of the army & is licensed...The Provost Marshall is responsible to me for the order of the place and it appears to me inexpedient to increase his responsibility. He tells me that before the large number of sutlers establishments were broken up, that nearly 1000 men were there daily. Division commands have authority to grant permissions to sell withing the limits of their commands. I wish your request could be granted: but it appears to me that it is inexpedient. Since the number of establishments have been broken up, articles have been sold at more moderate notes to our soldiers who before were shamefully imposed on [i.e., overcharged]. Floyd & Co by keeping their prices exposed enables all to purchase on the same terms which before was not the case...."