Autograph letter signed by CSA General Samuel B. Maxey (1825-1895), to John B. McGruder. Headquarters Maxey's Infantry Division, Camp at Beauchamps Springs, [Texas], 19 May 1865. 1 page, 4to, on blue paper. 

A late-war autograph letter signed by Confederate General Samuel B. Maxey that reveals the widespread desertion in what remained of the Confederate Army in Texas.  

Samuel B. Maxey (1825-1895) was a West Point Academy graduate and Mexican War veteran who aligned with the Confederacy at the outbreak of the Civil War, serving as a delegate to Texas's 1861 Secession Convention. He recruited and commanded the 9th Texas Infantry as its Colonel. While rarely engaging in battle, they fulfilled much-needed support roles, including bridge construction, supply raids, and monitoring the Indian situation at the western fringes of the Confederate territory.

He was promoted to Major General in April 1864 by Genl. Kirby Smith, though it was never approved by President Davis nor confirmed by the Confederate Senate. In 1865, he took command of a Division in Houston, Texas, but his command was plagued by desertions, as evidenced by this striking late-war letter. 

Here he writes in full: "I have been waited on this morning by Capt. Bridges and Asst. Surg. Dailey of Burnet's Battn. bearing the enclosed note from Capt. Martin commanding. The Battalion is about eight miles this side of Wheelock. These officers represent an unwillingness on the part of the men to proceed. They believe from indications that not exceeding one hundred out of three hundred would proceed. They say that the men are perfectly to remain where they are and behave themselves until the policy to be pursued is developed. The command is some twenty-five miles north of Millican. I respectfully suggest that the command be ordered to remain for the present at their camp. Your early attention to this matter is solicited as these officers return in the morning. I would call myself but have been quite unwell for the last two days and am advised to keep quiet."

The 1st Battalion, Texas Sharpshooters, referred to here as (James) Burnet's Battalion, would indeed finally surrender on 23 June 1864. They had fought in Louisiana and Mississippi throughout the War - most notably at the Battle of Milliken's Bend during the Vicksburg Campaign. 

An interesting relic from the last remnants of the Confederate Army. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]