TRANSCRIPTION
OF 1859 LETTER WRITTEN TO JOSIAH WARE FROM CONFEDERATE OFFICER JOHN DANIEL IMBODEN
Transcribed
& researched by Judith C. Ware
©
Judy C. Ware January 2009
Original
copy owned by Jane and Scott Dudgeon
Staunton December 29, 1859
Colonel
J.W. Ware
Dear
Sir:
Pressing
engagements, together with a somewhat protracted absence from home, have prevented me from
replying sooner to your letter of the 6th instant (of
this month).
I
have examined very carefully the matters set forth in the printed petition you sent me,
and take pleasure in saying that I concur fully in the views there presented. I have read the paper to Mr. Stuart, our Senator,
and to two of our Delegates and have enlisted their friendly cooperation and support.
On
Saturday, the 31st instant (of
this month),
there is to be a meeting of the officers of all the Volunteer Companies in this county,
assembled at my instance to take steps for the formation of a Volunteer Regiment. We have in this county now four infantry, three
cavalry, one rifle and one artillery company, organized and uniformed or uniforming. They are very large companies—the smallest
numbering over 60 men and the largest (my own Artillery) 84.
I will endeavor to get the signatures of all these officers to the petition
you sent and hand it to Mr. Stuart who is now here. During
my recent visit to Richmond I became satisfied from intercourse with members of the
Legislature and with Governor Wise that our peculiar arm of the service—the
artillery—and also the cavalry, will be put on a better footing this winter than they
have ever occupied. I took the liberty of
reading your letter to several gentlemen as containing, what seemed to me, answerable
reasons for placing us on a footing equal with the infantry of the line, in respect to
Regiments, Brigades, and Divisions.
But
I need not discuss these matters. I repeat my
concurrence of opinion with you and my willingness to assist as far as possible in
attaining the end in view.
Very
respectfully,
J.D.
Imboden
 
***I
would like to thank Jane & Scott Dudgeon for allowing me to copy & transcribe this
letter for my historical research. I am deeply
grateful.
Placement
of family photographs and visual graphics accompanying this piece are the fine work of
John Reagan who has been an invaluable help in setting up a website for me entitled Ware
Genealogy at www.waregenealogy.com. I will
forever be grateful for his expertise and kindness. |
