Raynors HCA 2015-08
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/27/2015
RHETT, Robert Barnwell Sr. (1800-1876) was a United States secessionist politician from South Carolina. He owned the Charleston Mercury. Rhett was a member of the South Carolina Secession Convention in 1860. In the Montgomery Convention which met to organize a provisional government for the seceding states, he was one of the most active delegates and was chairman of the committee which reported the Confederate Constitution. Rhett and son Barnwell had taken the train to Richmond, Virginia for the opening of the second session of Congress on July 20th. Scarcely had they arrived when, on July 20th the battle of Bull Run was fought. Two of Rhett’s sons Burnet and Robert had been in the battle and Rhett’s nephew, Thomas, was an aide at Beauregard’s Head Quarters. So, Rhett had excellent inside information about the Army. His son Alfred commanded a battery at Fort Moultrie (It was his barrage that set fire to the Sumter barracks and eventually forced Anderson’s garrison to agree to surrender). Alfred is mentioned in this letter. Autograph Letter Signed, “R.B. Rhett”, written to his son, Richmond, July 31st, 1861, 2pp., VG. In large part, “But it is high time now you should leave Charleston. You have only the next two months to reconnect. Let me beseech you to leave it. As soon as Congress says which will be in a fort night I will go to Charleston and try to supply your place. Beauregard will advance on Washington in 2 or 3 weeks, when I think he will take it. He failed in not pushing on his right wing which was unimpaired to Washington after the battle of Manassas, reaching in the advance about three miles from Arlington Heights. The Virginians I hear, do not take your view taking their accounts of the battle in Wsh. So. Ca. was fully well ignored. Men hate truth more than falsehood. Ripley acted gallantly in refusing the vacancy offered him, or rather not answering the offer. The N is now is Chief difficulty. Telegraphed to you the other day on the subject. N. proves vindictive sought to have nothing to do with Ripley. This indifference towards Alfred was very reason. They guard Charleston. o have nothing to do with Ripley. This indifference towards Alfred was very reason. They guard Charleston.
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