Finding Aid for the General Wirt Adams Collection

MUM00755

1.1: Letter from Earl Van Dorn, signed “Van Dorn” to “Dear Col” [Wirt Adams], 18 April 1861 

Scope and Content

“Star of the West.” 1p. Letter written the day Earl Van Dorn (then Colonel Van Dorn) captured the federal transport ship, “The Star of the West.”

1.3: Letter from W.J. Hardee [Brigadier General William Joseph Hardee] to Wirt Adams [then Colonel located in Jackson, MS], 18 September 1861 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs. Upper Dist, Arkansas, Pitmans Ferry. Jackson, MS. 2pp. Re: In receipt of information from Major General Polk that “he has been requested to the command of the Military operations in Arkansas and Missouri.” Polk asked Hardee to move his command to the Mississippi River. Hardee asked Adams to bring his cavalry to accompany him into Kentucky, “with as little delay as practicable.” Hardee indicates that he is currently “deficient in cavalry and your regiment will be a most …valuable and acceptable acquisition."

1.5: Pasted-in unidentified newspaper clipping with a penciled notation, possibly by General Wirt Adams, “A notice of the services of the Regt during the occupation of Corinth by our army.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

1p. This newspaper reprinted an account found in an earlier article in the Vicksburg, Whig. The article notes, “Wirt Adams’ Cavalry Regiment—We learn from a gentleman recently from Corinth that the cavalry regiment commanded by Col. Wirt Adams has greatly distinguished itself in recent operations in the neighborhood of Corinth.” Same page as 1.6 and 1.7.

1.7: Special Orders No. 37. Hd. Qrs. A.M., Tupelo, Miss., 11 June 1862 

Scope and Content

1p. Re: Notes the granting of a leave of absence for Col. Wirt Adams, by command of Gen. Bragg. Signed Geo. G. [Garren], AAG. Same page as 1.5 and 1.6.

1.9: Report from Wirt Adams, Col. Comdg. to “General”, 12 July 1862 

Scope and Content

Headquarters of Reg. near Saltillo, [MS]. 9pp. Penciled notation, written by General Adams at a later date describes the content of the report. The notation reads “The foregoing Report of the fight near Booneville Miss deserves notice as the famous Genl Phil Sheridan, then a Col Major Command at Booneville & sent the Regiment to our war [illegible words] and made the attack in which it [occurred] such rough [handling]. On its [precipitous] flight it [two illegible words] pursued by Capt. Harrison and [illegible word] escaped captives. It’s amusing to read in the “Life of Lt. Genl. Phil Sheridan” by some northern [two illegible words], the false & exaggerated account of the affair. W.H.” Several pages distinctly faded, almost to illegibility.

1.11: Report from Capt. Geo Barnes to “Dear Colonel” [Col. Wirt Adams], 10 July 1862 

Scope and Content

“In camp near Salltillo.” Penciled notation, likely written by General Adams at a later date relates to this report. It reads “The three following Reports of Capt. Isaac Harrison & Capt. W.R. Luckett and Capt. Geo. Barnes relate to the same affair near Booneville Miss- see my report proceeding.

1.13: Post-war reminiscence, likely by General Wirt Adams, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

3pp. Describes the “hottest place my Regt. got into during the War.” This place was Britton’s Lane in West Tennessee and the engagement took place in the summer of 1862. The author, likely Adams, ends by writing, “my own escape from injury was quite a miracle.”

1.15: Letter from W.J. Hardee [Brigadier General William Joseph Hardee] to “My Dear Col” [Colonel Wirt Adams], 27 August 1862 

Scope and Content

Chattanooga, Tenn. 3pp. Describes action in Kentucky and relates that the Federal forces have fallen back to Bridgeport. He describes driving his forces “into the heart of Kentucky” and notes that his men are “resolved to conquer or die.” He gives Adams his best wishes and hopes he is not “idle” under Price [General Sterling Price].

1.17: Letter from Brigadier General Dabney H. Maury to “My Dear Colonel” [Colonel Wirt Adams], 15 October 1862 

Scope and Content

Head Quarters Maury’s Division. 1p. Relates his dismay that Colonel Adams and his regiment have been transferred to “a distant field of operations.” Maury noted, “I know that your duties have been performed with energy, courage, fidelity and success.” Same page as 1.18.

1.19: Letter from RR. Hutchinson, AAG, to Col Wirt Adams, Comdg. Cavalry, by order of Genl Bowen, 27 April 1863 

Scope and Content

Grand Gulf, [MS]. 1p. Penciled in notation, likely written by General Adams at a later date,” reads “Griersons Raid.” Relates another dispatch from Pemberton asking that they, “collect Wirt Adams Cavalry and send them out to meet the enemy which were at 12 o’clock to day at Hazlehurst. Follow them up without delay and annoy and ambush them if possible.”

1.21: Letter from W.J. Hardee [General William Joseph Hardee] to “My Dear Colonel” [Colonel Wirt Adams], 27 July 1863 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs near Morton. 4pp. Written in response to a letter from Adams. Hardee relates his dismay at being transferred to his new command over the Army of the Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana. He wrote, “I came here under the orders of the government and without any solicitation on my part. From all I see and know I fear I may not be able to do all I could [illegible]. Genl Johnston is absent for a few days at Mobile and in his absence I have assumed command. When he returns I suppose he will assign me to some duty. I did not come here willingly. I would have preferred to remain with my old [comdg] and I have seen nothing since my arrival to change that opinion.” Hardee went on to regret Adams’ removal from his command as well as what he saw as the “neglect of the government in not rewarding your [Adams’] services.” Hardee noted that he was glad Adams’ family and his slaves were safe and related that he was on the move to Enterprise, [MS].

1.23: Letter from W.J. Hardee [General William Joseph Hardee] to “His Excellency President Davis” [Jefferson Davis], 17 September 1863 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs. Enterprise, Miss. “For Col. Wirt Adams.” 1p. A letter of recommendation for Wirt Adams’ promotion to Brigadier General.

1.25: Pasted-in newspaper clipping, with penciled in notations, likely by Wirt Adams at a later date, which read, “from Charleston, SC Mercury, 3 Oct ’63”, [3 October 1863] 

Scope and Content

1p. A notice of promotions to the rank of Brigadier General. The clipping lists the promotion of Wirt Adams to Brigadier General.

1.27: Letter from W.H. Jackson to “Col. Wirt Adams, near Brownsville”, 15 October 1863 [penciled in] 

Scope and Content

Livingston. 2pp. Congratulates Adams on his promotion to Brigadier General. Describes the impending action at Chattanooga and notes the differences between General’s Rosecrans and Bragg. According to Jackson, Rosecrans is “too wily” for Bragg.

1.29: Letter from Lt. [illegible word, possibly Addison Harvey, First Lieutenant of Company M] to “Col” [Wirt Adams], 6 November 1863 

Scope and Content

“Camp near Brownsville, Miss.” 4pp. Report apparently written at the request of General Adams. Notes encounters with armed slaves on the plantation of Jefferson Davis and his brother Joseph Davis. The letter’s author writes that Adams directed him to take 20 men, cross the Big Black River, and destroy the ship Indianola. The ship was not destroyed but he learned there were “sixty armed negroes on the Joe Davis Place, engaged in seizing & carrying off to the Yankees…plundering the adjoining plantations & committing other acts of a similar character.” He “determined to cross the river and capture or kill them.” The author describes killing at least eight former slaves during this process and wounding several others. He mentions two African-American men by name, “Capt. Horace” and “Capt. Henry.”

1.31: Letter from Lt. [illegible word, possibly Addison Harvey, First Lieutenant of Company M] to “Genl” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 27 December [1863] 

Scope and Content

Camp near Brownsville, [MS]. 2pp. Relates receiving orders from General Jackson to “turn over to Mr. J[E] Davis all the animals captured by me on his plantation.” The lieutenant notes that the animals had already been dispersed and many sold. He noted that “with considerable trouble I was able to furnish Mr. Davis a list of the names of persons who bought or now have the mules &c, with the brand. None of them except a mule & a roan pony have his mark.” Apparently Davis wished all animals found on the plantation restored to him, and this caused the Lieutenant some discomfort. He ended by writing, “I merely write this to show you that I have already made an effort to restore Mr. Davis’ property which ought to satisfy any reasonable man.” There is no mention of the attack on the African Americans on the plantation by the troops, or reference to those captured or killed.

1.33: Post-war reminiscence regarding Wirt Adams’ involvement with a contemplated attack on New Orleans, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Adams copies out a dispatch he sent to Thomas L. Jackson, AA. General to General Polk. The penciled reminiscence by Adams, likely written at a later date, reads “At the time Genl. Jackson contemplated attacking New Orleans, Genl Polk ordered me to make a diversion in his favor by approaching & threatening Port Hudson & Bayou Sara and to get reliable information regarding the garrison of their places. The following is a copy of the dispatch sent Genl. Polk from Olive Branch near Baton Rouge.” The dispatch itself relates the information Adams found during this operation regarding the defenses at Baton Rouge and Port Hudson.

1.35: Newspaper clipping attached to scrapbook page with pins. The Mississippian, [March 1864] 

Scope and Content

1p. One article in particular titled, “First Justitia,” written under the penname “Jacob Jarvis” relates the experience by a soldier in Wirt Adams’ brigade during the Meridian Campaign. Note: A penciled-in notation, likely written by General Adams’ at a later date, seems to identify Capt. Robert Muldrow as the author.

1.37: Letter from William [last name obscured by pasted pages but likely Elliott], AAG to “Genl” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 16 March 1864 

Scope and Content

Head Quarters Lee’s Cav. Dept. Canton, Miss. 2pp. Alerts Adams that as General Lee would soon be departing from the area, Adams will be assuming command of the line “from Grenada down to Natchez.” He was directed to pay special attention to the “section bordering on the Yazoo River, which the enemy may attempt to take possession of for the purpose of procuring provisions.” It was also noted that soldiers were no longer permitted to travel inside the enemy’s lines: “it is especially desirable that all intercourse between citizens and the enemy should cease and you will adopt the necessary measures for effecting this object. No permits to go within the enemy’s lines will be granted to citizens except in the most extreme cases.” Adams was also ordered to destroy all articles obtained through trade with the enemy and to closely watch the Central Railroad.

1.40: Extract from General Orders, No. 32, 4 April 1864 

Scope and Content

Hd Qdqrs. Lee’s Cav. Dept. Canton, [MS]. 2pp. Among other things notes that Brigadier General Wirt Adams was assuming command of the department during the absence of the Major General [SD Lee].

1.42: Letter from Frank Buchanan, Admiral, to Brig. Gen’l Wirt Adams, 27 April 1864 

Scope and Content

On Naval Commandant’s Office, Mobile, Ala. letterhead. 1p. Alerts Adams that Act’g Master James McCarrick will soon be arriving in Brandon, MS to “receive and convey to Selma, Ala, the eight heavy brass guns lately captured by the gallant forces under your command from the U.S. Steamer “Petrel” in the Yazoo River.” He ends the letter by writing, “I sincerely hope these guns may render service in our just cause against the vile enemy from whom they were captured.”

1.44: Letter from Major General S.D. Lee to “General” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 18 May 1864 

Scope and Content

Head Qrs, Dept. Ala, Miss, & E. La. Meridian, [MS]. 2pp. References telegram from Adams to him relating the information that federal troops were in and around Yazoo City, with an expectation of continuing to Vicksburg. Lee offers to send Gholson’s Brigade “recently mustered with the Confederate service” to Adams in a few days to supplement his small force. Lee writes, “with this addition to your force You will then be able I hope to cope with the raiding parties of the Enemy and to restore confidence.” He writes about his inability to greatly increase forces in central Mississippi: “it is necessary for me to keep a considerable force North Miss to repel any raid from Memphis” and that “Every thing has been sent to Johnston.”

1.46: Letter from William Elliot, AAG [for Major General Stephen D. Lee] to “General” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 22 June 1864 

Scope and Content

Head Quarters Dept. Ala, Miss & E.La. Meridian, Miss. 2pp. Relating that due to reports of a “heavy force under A.J. Smith is about to leave Memphis for the invasion of Mississippi” that Gholson’s Brigade, one half of Col. Scott’s effective force be moved to various points in Mississippi, primarily around North Mississippi. Lee requests that 500 men be left “in front of Vicksburg.” Lee wanted Adam’s forces to be able to move quickly into North Mississippi if needed but still maintain some show of force near Vicksburg. Adams himself was asked to remain at Jackson but to “hold yourself and staff in readiness to take the field in North Miss at any time that it may be necessary.” Lee also asked Adams to send information about the size of the federal forces near Vicksburg.

1.48: Newspaper clipping pasted into scrapbook, “Gen. Slocum’s Expedition to Jackson, Miss.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Unidentified newspaper with reports from S.D. Lee included. 1p. Describes recent action around Jackson, MS and specifically mentions Brigadier General Wirt Adams as well as the wounding of General Gholson.

1.50: Newspaper page, Mississippian-Extra, 2 August 1864 

Scope and Content

Jackson, MS. 1p. Likely cut out as the primary article on the page is a critique of Stephen D. Lee. The article entitled, “More of Lieut. S.D. Lee,” criticizes Lee’s focus on North Mississippi seemingly at the expense of central Mississippi, especially in the wake of the engagement in Jackson in early July.

1.52: Letter from E. Barksdale [likely Ethelbert Barksdale] to “My Dear Sir” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 19 September 1864 

Scope and Content

Henderson, [Ga?]. 4pp. Giving Adams information about the situation in Georgia, much of it inaccurate. He does feel that the Confederate forces are “too much reduced to venture upon an offensive movement” against Sherman. Barksdale asks about Nathan Bedford Forrest and mentions the Chicago Convention. He generally critiques McClellan and Seward and mentions that he has sent all of his thoughts to President Davis. Interestingly he notes that when writing to Davis he specifically wrote a passage to “relieve his mind of any impressions unfavorable to yourself, if indeed, any have been created.” He promises to relate this again to Davis when he returns to Richmond.

1.54: Letter from Lieutenant General [Richard Taylor] to “General” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 16 February 1865 

Scope and Content

Headquarter Dept. Ala, Miss, and E. La. Meridian, [MS]. 2pp. Writes of the importance of re-capturing Vicksburg, as it will greatly help the confidence of the people and build morale, but the strength of troops in the Department are so inadequate as to make such an successful recapture unlikely. Should troops and reinforcements return to the region an attempt to capture Natchez would be much more practicable.

1.56: Telegram from W.F. Bullock, AAG [to General George B. Cosby] to “Brig Genl Wirt Adams”, 4 April 1865 [note the original printed form had the year 1863 and someone substituted the “3” for a “5”] 

Scope and Content

West Point, [MS]. On South-Western Telegraph Company letterhead. 1p. Relates orders of General Taylor for Adams to move with Scott’s Brigades to Columbus where they will be met by Capt. Hough to await further instructions.

1.58: Telegram from Lt. Gen. N.B. Forrest to “Brig Gen. Wirt Adams”, 12 April 1865 [the earlier printed year of 1863 has been crossed through] 

Scope and Content

“Columbus, Miss. By Telegraph from Gainesville, 12th 1865.” 1p. On South-Western Telegraph Company letterhead. Forrest announces his arrival and asks Adams for information

1.60: Telegram from Lt. Gen. N.B. Forrest to “Brig Gen Wirt Adams”, 14 April 1865 [the earlier printed year of 1863 has been crossed through] 

Scope and Content

“Columbus, Miss By Telegraph from Gainesville, 14th 1865.” 2pp. On South-Western Telegraph Company letterhead. Forrest has just received news from Colonel Martin that federal forces had just moved from Tuscaloosa on the morning of the 12th down towards Lexington. Martin relays that his scouts are watching the river up to Black Creek Shoals. Forrest also notes that, “the enemy sent off 400 negroes day before direction of Decatur.” Adams is directed not to engage the enemy if they have left Tuscaloosa, as he is directed to move to Eutaw.

1.62: Letter from George Moorman to “Dear General” [likely sent to Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 4 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Canton, Miss. 4pp. Moorman is seeking information on Adam’s location, as he has been unable to discover it after “several days” of searching. He mentions that he has not heard from Adams since his victory at Gainesville and “that victory will reflect credit ion you in all time to come.” Moorman reflects on their future and past experiences, “While our political and military heavens were surcharged with tokens of the approaching story and our history already [illegible word] with accumulated disaster and defeats, you were the only general officer throughout the length and breadth of the Confederacy who plucked one singly bough of laurel and caused it to be entwined with the cypress wreath which now encircles us. Should the war cease now you would have the honor of having won the last victory on Confederate soil, & in the Confederate cause.” Moorman seems determined to continue though, “But I cannot give up something good will certainly turn up yet. I will never believe that we have failed until the conviction is forced upon me.” He asks to keep a wagon Adams had authorized for his use, as he “cannot hire anything here at all.” But he notes that he will not take the wagon until he hears from Adams. Penciled note, likely from Wirt Adams, on the last page of the letter reads, “Please send Capt. Coopers letter to him immediately.”

1.64: Document from Brig. General Wirt Adams to “Gentlemen” [John A. [Sugg] Lt. Co. E; Wm. Laughlin, Sergt Maj; Jon Barlow, Color Bearer], 8 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs. Cavalry Brigade. 4pp. A copy of a document sent by Adams in response to the resolutions submitted to him dated 6 May 1865. Adams declares his regard for all his men with whom he has been “intimately associated during the severe trials of the war just closed and whose valor discipline and devotion to our sacred cause I have witnessed and admired.” He thanks them for the copy of their resolutions and states he will always preserve it. He hopes that the future will be bright, although it appears currently to be a “starless night of a fallen country.” He relates that their country is “no longer ours. Her institutions political and moral; the system of labor wisely ordained by God for the climate and social we have enjoyed and which has been carefully fostered and sustained by our people with incalculable benefit to the slave, to the world and to ourselves; the distinctive features of our society resulting from this system and which has elevated our people above all other American society; these must all speedily disappear beneath the overwhelming tide of Yankee fanaticism, cant, hypocrisy, and knavery.” He admits that the southern people must now adapt to “the new order of things” but not “lost all those attractive traits of character we have in the past been taught to admire and respect.” He cites his concern over the burden of federal taxation and “the restriction of the right of suffrage…and the practical enforcement of the political and social equality of the negro.” He is worried that many will “bend their necks to the Yankee to the yoke thus imposed.” He states that it is their duty, “as honorable men, as brothers, husbands and fathers …to exert ourselves to the utmost to extricate ourselves and those dependent upon us from such misery and humiliation.”

1.66: Newspaper clipping, “Meeting of the Joint Committee’s of Liberal Republicans: Resolutions of Respect to the Memory of Gen. D.W. Adams” and “Funeral Obsequies of the late General Dan. W. Adams.”, [15 June 1872] 

Scope and Content

Penciled notation reads, “N.O. Times, 15 June ’72.”

1.68: Pasted-in newspaper clipping. “Relating to the Annals. A Letter in Regard to the Capture of the Gunboat Petrel on the Yazoo River.”, [September 1884] 

Scope and Content

Notation at bottom reads, “Phil Times, Sept. 84.” 1p. Correct General Dabney Maury’s earlier attribution of the capture of the Petrel to Colonel Ross. Documents proving that Wirt Adams’ command captured the gunboat are included in the article. Note: this article appears on the end-page of the scrapbook.

1.70: Pasted-in newspaper clipping, “How Promptness Won. How Colonel Wirt Adams Drove the Federal Cavalry from a Strong Position.”, [26 June 1886] 

Scope and Content

Article written by Allen T. Bowie, Adjutant. Notation at bottom reads, “Phila Times, 26 June ’86.” 1p. Describes the actions taken by then Colonel Wirt Adams surrounding the Battle of Davis’ Bridge in October 1862.

2.1: Pasted-in undated, unattributed newspaper clipping, “Death of Childhood.”, [date unknown] 

2.3: Pasted unattributed newspaper clipping, regarding the cleaning of men’s shirts, [date unknown] 

2.5: Page with four pasted-in newspaper clippings, [dates unknown] 

Scope and Content

One religious in nature; on “The Horse Charm; or the Great Secret for Taming Horses;” “How Union-Saving is Viewed at the North;” and an article about raising fruit trees.

2.7: Page with pasted-in newspaper clipping, “Col. B.B. Perry Again- Southern Causes for Independence.”, [date unknown] 

2.9: Page with pasted-in newspaper clipping, “Abolition Outrages in the Salve States- Mr. Seward’s Position.”, [date unknown] 

2.11: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, [dates unknown] 

Scope and Content

“Mr. Cushing on Black Republicanism” and “Friday’s Proceedings, Washington, December 16.”

2.13: Page with pasted-in newspaper clipping, “Patriotism and Demagogism.”, 24 October 1855 

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Journal of Commerce. New York. Continues on the next page of scrapbook.

2.15: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, [dates unknown] 

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One containing a letter attributed to Frederick Douglass and the other entitled, “The Gallows and the Gibbet” regarding Tom Corwin’s speech.

2.17: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, [dates unknown] 

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“What they Propose to Do” regarding slavery and free labor and “Anti-Slavery Resolves of the Main Legislature” with a penciled in notation reading “1859.”

2.19: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, 21 November 1859; 31 December 1859 

Scope and Content

“A Public Meeting in Natick, Mass, The Home of Senator Wilson, on Slave Insurrections” dated 21 November 1859; and “The Commission to Virginia,” regarding South Carolina’s desire for southern states to meet and discuss secession, from the Tri-Weekly Mercury, 31 December 1859.

2.21: Inserted newspaper clipping from The Sunday Delta, 1860, “Political Retrospect.”, [date unknown] 1860 

Scope and Content

The article discusses the recent election and its consequences.

2.23: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, 19 January 1861; [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

One clipping from Charleston, 19 January 1861 is entitled, “Union with the Northern States Necessarily Destructive of Southern Liberty;” the second clipping is entitled, “The Spirit of the Black Republican Organization.”

2.25: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, [dates unknown] 

Scope and Content

One entitled, “The Census of 1861- The Free and Salve Population of the United States;” the second clipping is untitled but relates to England’s reliance on cotton in slave states.

2.27: Page with pasted-in newspaper clipping, “Southern Fortifications.”, [date unknown] 

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The article gives statistics regarding garrisons on the Southern coast.

2.29: Page with pasted-in newspaper clipping, “The Popular Vote.”, [date unknown] 

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Tables relating to the turns of the Presidential election form the N.Y. Day Book.

2.31: Page with pasted-in newspaper clipping, “The Mobile Monumental Statue.”, [date unknown] 

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Regarding to statue in Mobile, Alabama’s Magnolia Cemetery dedicated to their Confederate dead.

2.33: Page with two pasted-in newspaper clippings, [dates unknown] 

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One entitled “Of What Women are Made” and the second “Matrimony.”

3.1: Scrapbook One Loose Materials: Spine portion of scrapbook cover, 

3.3: Scrapbook One Loose Materials: 1873-1884 

Scope and Content

Five documents originally located in Scrapbook One between 1.41 and 1.42.

Letter from Brigadier General Wirt Adams to [William] B. Field, Esq [from Natchez, MS], 13 October 1884 

Scope and Content

2pp. Describes an error in an attribution of the capture of the Petrel to Ross’ Brigade, noting it was men under his command, specifically Colonel Griffith, who captured the gunboat.

Letter from Wade Hampton to “My Dear Sir” [General Wirt Adams], 25 June 1875 

Scope and Content

Charlottesville, [VA]. 3pp. Envelope included with $.3 stamp. Hampton writes, “Ive Davis spoke to me his reference to the place you had proposed to place his uncle in business & I write to say that it will give me real pleasure to cooperate with you, if I can be of any service.”

Letter from Wade Hampton to “My Dear General” [General Wirt Adams], 28 March 1874 

Scope and Content

1p. Thanks Adams for his check and relates if he feels better he would like to soon visit Adams in Vicksburg. Includes envelope with $.3 stamp.

3.5: Scrapbook One Loose Materials: Incomplete letter likely from Brigadier General Wirt Adams to “General” [likely Major General S.D. Lee], 8 July 1864 

Scope and Content

5 pages. Last page held together by pins. An account of the action around Jackson in early July when Adams’ forces drove federal troops away from Jackson. Originally located in Scrapbook One between 1.47 and 1.48.

3.7: Scrapbook One Loose Materials: 1865 

Scope and Content

Five documents originally located in Scrapbook One between 1.67 and the contents of folder 3.8.

Document. “Preambles and Resolutions of Wirt Adams Cavalry, passed May 6th 1865 and reply of Genl Wirt Adams to same, Preserved by James A. May of Co. “E” Genl Wirt Adams’ old regiment of Cavalry.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

6pp. Typed documents of handwritten documents 1.68 and 1.69 in scrapbook.

Memorandum from Mag. Genl. E.R.S. Canby to Brig. Genl Wirt Adams, Comdg Cavalry, “Announcing Terms of Surrender”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

2pp. Document outlining the parole procedures, such as men and officers paroled, “under this agreement will be allowed to return to their homes with the assurance that they will not be disturbed by the authorities of the United State so long as they continue to observe the conditions of their paroles and the laws in force when they reside except that persons residents of Northern states will not be allowed to return without premission.”

Two Circulars, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Advertisements for “The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government By Jefferson Davis, First Edition of 25,000. Second Edition In Press.”

Copy of letter from W.F. Bullock, Jr., AAG to “General” [Maj. Genl N.B. Forrest, Commanding & c. West Point, Miss.], 17 February 1865 

Scope and Content

Head Qts Dept. Ala. Miss and Ea La., Meridian, [MS]. 1p. Brig Genl. Wirt Adams, Comd. Dist SM Ea La, Offical, P. Ellis Jr. AAG [Powhatan Ellis]. Directed to let Forrest know that Thomas “will move in this direction with a large force from Vicksburg that another column from Pensacola and probably another from the direction of Decatur will move simultaneously with him.” Bullock encloses a telegraph sent to Brigadier General Wirt Adams regarding action, although “this order is of course subject to any arrangements of its details that your good judgment may deem necessary.” Bullock specifically tells Forrest that he is directed to give subordinate commanders authority to “impress upon them that while it is important to destroy all cotton that may be within reach of the enemy’s lines of march and from its location liable to fall into his hands and be used and moved by him. That cotton removed from water courses and beyond the power of the enemy to move should not be destroyed.”

Copy of handwritten circular, “by order of Lt. Genl Forrest.”, 4 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs Forrest Cavalry Corps. Gainesville. 1p. Copy for Brig Genl Wirt Adams, Comdg & c. Asking for division commanders to have duplicate muster rolls of “those present and absent” giving their residence and if they were absent a date when they last were present. Forrest also directs all Quartermasters, Commissaries, Ordnance Officers, and Surgeons “to make out in duplicate … all government property in their possession and that Brigade Commanders will be held responsible for the forthcoming and delivery of all such, when ordered.”

Letter from W.A. Goodman, AAG, to “Genl” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 9 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs. Chalers Div., Near Gainesville. 1p. Lets Adams know that the US commissioner who will parole their corps has arrived and will probably “commence work at once.” Goodman notes that he has brought “a very insufficient supply of paroles” which could delay the process.

Letter from by J.P. Strange, AAG [AAG to Forrest] to “Genl” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams, Comdg Cavalry], 2 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs Forrect Cavalry Corps. Gainesville. 1p. Directs Adams to supply his men with five days rations and “be ready to move at a moments notice.” Written on the back of a general order form with the phrase, “By Command of Maj. Genl Forrest” engraved on the bottom.

Handwritten copy of telegram from W.F. Bullock Jr., AAG, to Brig Genl. Wirt Adams, 17 February 1865 

Scope and Content

Maridian [sic.], [MS]. 1p. Written to Adams who was then located in Jackson, MS. Adams is directed to ensure that all public property which could fall into federal hands be removed and “provide for withdrawal of forces in Southern portion of your district by such lines as will prevent their being cut off and insure their joining you in front of Enemy if he advances.” Adams is also directed to send a copy of this telegram to Brigadier General Wright to get his guidance.

Telegram from Maj. Genl N.B. Forrest to Genl. Wirt Adams, 19 February 1865 [Note the original printed date of 1864 has been crossed through] 

Scope and Content

West Point, Miss. 2pp. Written on South-Western Telegraph Company letterhead. Gives Adams orders to “retain all cavalry now with you until further orders Send for Blackburn & Johnson’s Companies & Montgomery’s squadron now on the river.” Adams is also directed to use Cobb’s company of scouts.

Handwritten copy of telegram from J.P. Strange, AAG [AAG to Forrest] to “Genl” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams], 2 May 1865 

Scope and Content

Hd. Qrs. Forrest’s Cavalry Corps. Gainesville. 1p. Forrest directs Adams to “collect your command together and be in readiness to move at a moments notice.” Note: Written on the back of a general order form with the phrase, “By Command of Maj. Genl Forrest” engraved on the bottom.

Telegram from W.F. Bullock, JR., AAG, likely sent to Brigadier General Wirt Adams, although not noted, February 1865 

Scope and Content

1p. Written on South-Western Telegraph Company letterhead. Directs recipient to accept “such modifications as Maj. Genl. Forrest may direct. By order of Lt. Gen. Taylor.”

Letter from P. Ellis Jr. AAG [Powhatan Ellis] written to “General” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams, Comdg Dist S.M. & Ea. La, Jackson, Miss.], 18 February 1865 

Scope and Content

West Point, Miss. 2pp. Written on “Head-Quarters Cavalry, Dis Miss., and E. La.” Note “Department Ala” was crossed out. Directs the movement of troops, especially those of General Hodge, to Jackson. Also directs that all public property, “except what is absolutely necessary” be removed to Meridian.

3.9: Scrapbook One Loose Materials: [1885] 

Scope and Content

Two newspaper clippings originally located in Scrapbook One between the contents of folder 3.7 and 1.68.

Newspaper clipping, “Gen. Wirt Adams’ Desperate Charge Twenty-three Years Ago.”, [date likely 1885] 

Scope and Content

1p. Describes actions of Wirt Adams Cavalry during a summer 1862 engagement in North Mississippi.

Collection of newspaper clippings, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Envelope containing them describes them containing “statistics of the War.”

Envelope containing newspaper clippings identified as “Confederates, Extracts from Newspapers Relating to the War & c., Brig. Genl Wirt Adams”, [multiple dates, some unknown] 

Scope and Content

Contains clipping from The Vicksburg Daily White, 29 May 1862; Undated, unattributed clipping outlining Confederate casualties at Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Bristoe Station, Port Hudson, Chickasaw Bayou, Arkansas Post, Port Gibson, Fourteen Mile Creek (skirmish), Raymond, Jackson, Champion’s Hill, Big Black Railroad Bridge, Vicksburg, Prairie Grove, Stones River, Chickamauga, and Bridgeport; Undated, unattributed newspaper clipping outlining Union re-enlistments by state; Undated, unattributed newspaper clipping, “Southern Opinion. Letter from a Distinguished Southern Clergyman;” Newspaper clipping from the New York Daily News, 26 December 1863, entitled “The President’s Message” in regards to emancipation; Undated, unattributed newspaper article entitled, “A Stirring Ballad. A Ballad for the Young South.”

3.11: Scrapbook Two Loose Materials: Letter from Wirt Adams to A. [Larrie] Esq, [three illegible words], New Orleans, 11 October 1865 

Scope and Content

Canton, Miss. 3pp. Adams writes that he sent a “reliable & energetic” person to take charge of “[darkies?] for the Bank.” Adams wrote “He is very interested to employ … the negro woman formerly belonging to their place in the country” and was also looking for other African American women to help. Originally located in Scrapbook Two between 2.31 and 3.12.

3.13: Scrapbook Two Loose Materials: 34 newspaper clippings at end of scrapbook 1864-1879 

Scope and Content

Originally located at the end of Scrapbook Two.

Newspaper page from The Daily Picayune, 18 October 1877 

Scope and Content

Contains articles on “The Need of Levees;” How Scalping Felt;” and “To the Editors of the State of Louisiana.”

Newspaper clipping entitled, “Castelar to Madam Thiers. An Eloquent Letter of Condolence from the Most Eminent of Spanish Orators.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping entitled, “Sumner’s Swivel Rights”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping containing article, The Lime-Kiln Club Celebrates the Advent of Spring.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

On verso: “The Negro Kansas Mania".

Newspaper clipping containing article, “Liability of Express Companies.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping containing poem entitled, “Battle of Dorking.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Article from The New Orleans Times.

Newspaper clipping containing article entitled, “Fraud as a Fine Art.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper article entitled, “Rainy Weather. An Interesting Table Prepared from Figures Obtained at the Signal Office.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Notes the amount of rainfall during the months of July and August from 1871 to 1882.

Newspaper clipping containing poem, “Antony and Cleopatra.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping with article, “Southern State Debts.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping with article, “The Peace Negotiations. The Territorial Changes- Reconstructed Germany-Count Karolyi to Return to Berlin- No German Parliament to Assemble as Yet- Meeting of the Representatives at Brunswick- The Diet to be Dissolved.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping with article, “Bite of a Rattlesnake Cured in Two Hours.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping containing article, “Auditorial Items.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Information on the value of personal property in Mississippi in the late 1870s.

Newspaper clipping containing article, “Von Moltke on West Point. The Reason Why Our Civil War Failed to Produce a Distinguished General.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping containing article, “The Mississippi. How the Money Will Be Expended by the Commissioners.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Information about the funds for the Mississippi River Commission.

Newspaper article, “Wont Clasp Hands.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Desire by southerners to “shake hands over the ‘bloody chasm’” through politics.

Newspaper clipping with article, “Commerce and Finance. Louisiana Products.”, 28 February 1879 

Scope and Content

The Daily Picayune.

Notes, “Brief notes of the War for the use of Col. JFH Claiborne.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Written by [Brigadier General Wirt Adams]. 3pp. Relates the events surrounding the Battle of Davis’ Bridge.

Document, “Notes of the War” [the word brief was crossed through], [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Written by [Brigadier General Wirt Adams]. 9pp. Relates not only his wartime history but his early history as well.

Set of three attached documents: a newspaper clipping containing General Adams’ notice to Jefferson Davis of the capture of the Petrel; Printed broadside. “General Orders, No. 53, Head Qrs. Dept. Ala., Miss. and E. La., Demopolis, ALA. March 25th 1864. By command of Lieut. Gen’l Polk.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Contains a reminder that property confiscated from prisoners of war is the property of the Confederate government. Also contains an alert regarding non-military personnel “banding together for the purpose, professedly, of preying upon the public enemy.” The final attached document contains a handwritten letter from Douglas West, Maj &AAG written to “General” [Brigadier General Wirt Adams through Maj Genl SD Lee]. 7 May 1864. Demopolis. 1p. References the attached newspaper clipping and General Orders, No. 53.

Letter from members of Company I, Alabama Squadron, Wirt Adams Brigade, to Brig. General Adams, 25 March 1867 

Scope and Content

Mobile, [AL] 1p. Former members of the brigade asking for a photograph of Adams.

Letter from Wade Hampton to “My Dear General” [Wirt Adams], 16 November 1873 

Scope and Content

Charlottesville, Va. 2pp. Request from Hampton for Adams to help raise awareness and membership for the Southern Historical Society.

Letter from Geo. Moorman, 1st Vice President Organization & for Louisiana, to Genl Wirt Adams, Jackson, Miss., 26 February 1888 

Scope and Content

Written on Memorandum, Office Of Covington and St. Tammany Land Improvement Company. 1p. Re: Requests that Adams send him a copy of his speech which was delivered at “the Cavalry Reunion,” so that it could be published in a pamphlet.

3.15: Newspaper Clippings 1872-1877 

Newspaper clipping with incomplete article, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

A Representative from Kentucky protests a tax that benefits war efforts.

Newspaper clipping with incomplete article, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Regarding the death of a former soldier.

Newspaper clipping with incomplete article, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Regarding Wirt Adams, the ‘cut-off question,’ and the safety of Vicksburg.

Newspaper clipping with article entitled, “A Frightful Picture of Carpet Bag and Scalawag Rule in South Carolina. An Appeal to Congress - An Investigation Prayed For.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper clipping with article entitled, “Letter from Hon. Jeff. Davis.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Macon, Ga, April 26. Response from Davis to the Memorial Association of Macon.

Newspaper clipping with letter from Reverdy Johnson in response “To Messrs. Wilson, Oliver, Davis and others, Committee, Etc”, [1872] 

Scope and Content

Regarding Johnson’s inability to attend the ratification meeting at be held in Washington.

Newspaper clipping from The Daily Picayune, 18 September 1877 

Scope and Content

Contains article entitled, “No Great Standing Army. This Country Will Never Be Governed By Military Power.”

Newspaper clipping with article entitled, “Jeff. Davis on Secession. Another Letter on the Subject of Congressman Singleton’s Speech.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Contains a reprinted letter from Jefferson Davis written from Beauvoir, Harrison Co, MS, 10 June 1878.

3.17: Photographs [date unknown] 

Three 5x7” reprints of photographs of General Wirt Adams, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

Taken at various stages of his life.

4.1: Oversized Documents July 1864 

Document, “Morning Report of Present in Cavalry Brigade, Commanded by Col. JS Scott.”, 16 July 1864 

Scope and Content

Near Port Gibson, MS.

Newspaper clipping containing article, “Jefferson Davis on Gen’l Robert E. Lee.”, [date unknown] 

Scope and Content

From a Jackson, MS newspaper.

Newspaper clipping with article, “Holt.”, [June 1869] 

Scope and Content

Discharge of Hospital Steward Tonry “from the service of the United States for marrying the daughter of the murdered Mrs. Surratt.” The article accuses Judge-Advocate-General Holt as being the mastermind for this “contemptible order.”

Newspaper clipping with article entitled, “Defense After Confession.”, [1880] 

Scope and Content

Charge of perjury against Mr. Garfield.

Newspaper clipping with article entitled, “Gen. Robert E. Lee. A Great English General’s Opinion of Him- Gen. Garnet Wolselev’s Visit to Confederate Headquarters in 1862.”, [date unknown] 

Newspaper page from unidentified paper containing several articles, 8 March 1875 

Scope and Content

One in particular which is marked is entitled, “Sherman as a Friend of the South.”

Newspaper page from The Daily Picayune, 8 May 1887 

Scope and Content

Contains lengthy article, “Gen. Beauregard. Makes Another Statement Concerning the Battle of Shiloh. With Reference to Replies of Hon. Jefferson Davis and Col. Wm. Preston Johnston.”

Newspaper page from The Times-Democrat with notated articles, 16 May 1888 

Scope and Content

One article entitled “Port Items. With Latest Marine and Shipping Intelligence” and the other entitled “Gen. Wirt Adams. A Glowing and Deserved Tribute to the Gallant Soldier by a Fellow-Cavalryman.”