MAJOR GENERAL R. MORRIS COPELAND - MANUSCRIPT LETTER SIGNED 04/13/1862 - HFSID 28010

R. MORRIS COPELAND
Letter to Brigadier General James Shields a month after Shields was wounded at the First Battle of Kernstown
Manuscript letter signed "R. Morris Copeland/Maj Gen & A. A. G." 1 page , 7¾x9¾, on lined paper. Woodstock, Georgia, April 13, 1862. Addressed to Brigadier General James Shields. In full: "The coming General advises me to say to you, that there can be little doubt that your command will be ordered to post itself in the rear of Mr. Jackson, by the way of the Middle Road on our right flank, to-morrow night. You will therefore ascertain, in such a manner as not to attract attention, the best fording place near the Middle Road, or from which a mixed force can get on to that road - Should you be unable to find a ford, you will collect material during the day, which can be used at night, to cross by hand if necessary, the guns and ammunition. It is very import to keep the movement concealed as long as possible from the enemy- send a trusty person to ascertain the best route from such ford as you may select, to the middle road. I have the honor to be, Yours very respectfully". This letter was written a month after the First Battle of Kernstown in the Shenandoah Valley, in which Shields was wounded. Morris was an assistant adjutant general and Major of Volunteers, as well as a member of Gen. Nathaniel Bank's staff. He was removed from Bank's staff and honorably discharged after revealing embarrassing details about the Shenandoah Campaigns. He fought his discharge, and was reinstated in 1870. Copeland apparently tried to raise black troops for the Union army along with Col. Robert Shaw, subject of the movie Glory. Lightly toned and stained. Page has been torn neatly from a pad on left. Folded three times horizontally and unfolded. Torn along folds. Otherwise in fine condition.