Letter signed James H. Birch, Jr., Cameron, Mo., to Father [James H. Birch], September 29, 1861
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Identifier: D03063
Language of Materials
English
- Hamilton Rowan Gamble Papers | Letter signed James H. Birch, Jr., Cameron, Missouri, to Father. Your letter by Captain Edgar was handed me yesterday. I confess I was astonished at the mistake regarding division inspector, and am enclosing copies of letters to Captain Edgar and B.F. Bassett regarding my appointment as inspector. This has provided some embarrassment, but will permit Colonel Nevill to assume charge of the district. I will furnish the organization here tomorrow of a cavalry battalion. I am gratified that the prospect for arms is so flattering. If the men had arms of their own we would be better fixed. I hope General Curtis will send us cavalry arms for at least seven companies. There should be at the arsenal, old Mexican War cavalry arms, out of date, such as breach loading carbines, old fashioned holsters and convention cased sabers. Secessionism at Plattsburg and Liberty is getting very insolent. Camps are being formed again in Platte, Clay and Buchanan and are coming home in squads. The most efficient service we could render would to break up all such nests and to arrest all such as are coming home. We are anxiously waiting the attack on Lexington. If it is a success we feel the country will be safer. We are afraid, however, that no provision will be made to prevent their crossing to this side of the river and we will be subject to their ravages. We heard firing of cannon yesterday evening rather to the right of Lexington, and it is believed here that it was Rains and Sturgis, or Lane’s command. Fred Selle wants you to get him a revolver, a mate to yours. Individuals mentioned include Captain W.A. Edgar, B.F. Bassett, Adjutant General [Missouri] G.R. Smith, Colonel Nevill, General Curtis, [James S.?] Rains, [Samuel D.?] Sturgis, [James H?] Lane and Fred Selle. Places mentioned include Cameron, Missouri, Plattsburg, Liberty, Platte County, Clay County, Buchanan County and Lexington. (4 pages), 1861 Sept 29
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Part of the Missouri Historical Society Library and Research Center Repository