by (CONFEDERATE CIRCULAR ORDER)
(CONFEDERATE CIRCULAR). D. 1pg. 7 ¾” x 12”. October 1, 1864. Richmond. A manuscript circular letter with the secretarial autographs of Secretary of War James Seddon, Major S.B. Brown and a third officer. The document states “The limited supply of meat available for our Armies in the Field requires that an immediate reduction be made in the issue to troops in garrison, reserve forces where not in active movement, prisoners and hospitals. It is therefore directed that wherever Sorghum and Syrup in sufficient quantities can be obtained they shall be issued alternatively with meat and the ration be fixed at (3) three gills per day to the man. All Officers of the Subsistence Department are hereby required to Execute the provision of this circular without delay, and will notify the Chief Commissary of their respective states of these events.” In the autumn of1864, the noose was tightening on Confederate forces around Petersburg. Lee’s troops ran out of corn and were saved by a raid on Union forces that netted 2,400 cattle. On Septmeber 29, 1864, Grant attacked Richmond at the Battle of Chaffin’s Farm; Lee was able to repulse Union forces, but only by moving his thin line around Petersburg. The letter is written on light blue, lined paper and it has light soiling and three horizontal folds. (Inventory #: 4492)