William E. Jones
New Market, VA, January 20, 1863
"Grumble" Jones ALS w/ Related Letter and Endorsements by H.B. Davidson, Soon to Become a Brig. General
ALS

William E. "Grumble" Jones Autograph Letter Signed with related letter. 1p, 7.75" x 9.75", New Market, Virginia; January 20, 1863. A letter to Colonel Henry B. Davidson detailing the arrest of S. M. Yost. Signed, "W.E. Jones / Brig Genl. Comdg." At the time, Davidson was in command of the military post at Staunton. With two endorsements on verso, including one by Davidson. Together with a letter by S. M. Yost requesting a copy of the charges against him. Ink on the Jones letter is light, but remains legible. Scattered foxing and staining, with mended tears along the right margin. Both letters have a strip of mounting remnant along one side on verso.

Jones' letter reads in part: "Will you if you know by what authority Maj S. M. Yost is on duty in Staunton, please inform me. From the fact of his having been arrested under my instruction I presume you have deemed the authority for his presence where he is sufficient. Grave charges having been proffered against him. I feel it a duty to him and the country that an opportunity for a defense before a court be allowed him. Unless my order directing him to report Col Corley has been countermanded by a proper authority he will be tried for disobedience of orders as well as the violation of the 83 Art of War and the 9/8 par. Army Regulations…"

Davidson writes a note on verso dated January 24, requesting a Major Bell endorse the paper with what he knows about the arrest. Bell's subsequent endorsement explains the circumstances under which Yost was arrested and asks that the charges against him be investigated.

Together with:

S. M. Yost Autograph Letter Signed. 1p, 7.75" x 8", Staunton, [Virginia]; February 9, 1863. Yost (the accused man) writes to Colonel Henry B. Davidson requesting a copy of the charges brought against him so that he may move forward with his trial. In part: "I was placed under arrest on the 17th of last month (January) by your order, based on instructions from Brig. Gen. W. E. Jones, commanding forces in Valley District. I have awaited until now, expecting daily to be furnished with a copy of the specifications & charges against me; but, as yet, have not received it. You will please do me the favor to furnish it at your earliest convenience, as it is my wish to have as speedy a trial as possible." Signed, "S. M. Yost."

With AES dated February 9 from Henry B. Davidson noting that he has furnished Yost with a copy of the charges. A second endorsement dated February 11, acknowledges that the charges have been passed on to Col. Abraham Charles Myers Quartermaster General.

Henry Brevard Davidson (1831-1899) would be promoted to brigadier general in August 1863, hence this pair of letters contain the autographs of two CSA generals.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 7.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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