Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
MACKALL, William W. (1817-1891) was a career United States military officer, serving in both the Seminole and Mexican Wars. Following the outbreak of the Civil War, he was offered a promotion to lieutenant colonel, but he declined. He resigned from the U.S. Army on July 3, 1861, and offered his services to the Confederacy. He was given a lieutenant colonel's commission in September 1861 and was promoted to brigadier general in March 1862. The following month, he was captured by Union forces during the defense of Island Number Ten and was exchanged four months later. Confederate General William W. Mackall Autograph Letter Signed "W.W. Mackall." Two and a half pages, 7-3/4" x 9-3/4", Columbus [Kentucky], September 30, 1861. Writing to artillerist 1st Lt. Joseph Dixon from the headquarters of the Western Department just two weeks after the Kentucky government ordered all Confederate troops within the state to leave, Mackall, assistant adjutant general for Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, orders him to find a suitable location for a military encampment to defend Western Kentucky, in part: "You are directed by General Johnston to proceed to examine the country, on a line East from this place to Mayfield, and included within said line and the rail-roads, leading from this place and from Paducah to Union City. Your attention will be specially directed to the selection of a suitable place, in an advance position, for an entrenched Camp Covering the Paducah and the Mobile Rail Roads, and forming also a part of the line from Columbus to Fort Henry on the Tennessee." Dixon was further ordered to perform a "thorough reconnaissance of the roads leading from the front to the camp" and the "practicability of the country for Cavalry and Artillery." Mackall calls particular attention to the supply of water saying, "It is understood that this section of the country is badly watered and in summer almost destitute." The camp must also have ample wood for fuel and be as close to the Paducah railroad as possible. ended service as commander of Confederate forces in South Georgia, where he was again captured in April 1865. The letter has light age, a split at the center fold, and a few small pin holes, not affecting the text of the letter. An excellent war date letter.
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