Autograph letter signed by CSA General Samuel B. Maxey (1825-1895), to Capt. E.P. Turner. Headquarters Maxey's Infantry Division, Camp at Beauchamps Springs, [Texas], 14 May 1865. 2 pages, 4to. 

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 and chaos, as evidenced by this striking late-war letter. 

He writes in full: "…I. I learned unofficially last night that the [Jerome B.] Robertson Brigade now commanded by Col. [Robert] Gould, had been ordered by the Major General commanding this District to Richmond. No notification of such order was or intention has been transmitted to me. I must request that all orders affecting my command be sent to or through me, as it is impossible for me to act intelligently otherwise. Whatever orders are received are always promptly executed by me. II. In the present discontented condition of that Brigade the presence of a well ordered command of Infantry will have a most beneficiary influence. The other Regiments present are recently dismounted Cavalry. I would therefore earnestly request that Col. Hobby with his Regiment be ordered to join the Brigade without delay. III. I respectfully ask that Brig Gen. Robertson be ordered to his Brigade without delay. I deem his presence or that of some other General Officer as permanent Brigade Commander most important at this time to the Brigade".

Written after much of the war had concluded in the East, General Maxey writes in an ordered attempt to maintain control of his troops. It is evident, however, that a great deal of disorder and mass desertions were causing difficulties in maintaining the remnants of the Confederate Army.

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