signed
by JOHN WINDER
(CONFEDERATE ARMY – MARYLAND). Document. 1 pg. 8” x 10”. July 19, 1862. Richmond Va. A document signed “R.C. Copeland” and addressed “To Brig. Genl. Juo H. Winder”: “I have the honour [sic] to state that I am a citizen of the District of Columbia, and desire a transfer from Company A 44” Va Regt Lt. XX XX, to Capt Montgomery Co Deas Light Artillery Maryland Line; Referring you to Genl Orders No. 8 (current series) Adjt & Inspt. Genls Office and to special orders 107”. After the signature, a postscript certifies the above and is signed by “Robt H Taney N. XX”. General John H. Winder was appointed provost marshal general of Richmond. Virginia in March of 1862, and therefore was tasked with handling law enforcement and deserters in Richmond. Perhaps Robert C. Copeland was in Richmond and charged with desertion, while his real aim, referenced in his letter and the attestation by Taney, was simply to transfer from a Virginia Confederate unit to the Maryland Line. Of the approximately 25,000 Marylanders who volunteered for the Confederacy despite their state staying in the Union, most fought in the Army of Northern Virginia, and it was not until June of 1863 that a “Maryland Line” in the Confederate Army was formally created. However, this letter shows that even a year earlier soldiers were aware of the Maryland Line. Over the course of the war, four artillery regiments, two cavalry regiments, and two infantry regiments were created as part of the Maryland Line and served in the Army of Northern Virginia and the Army of the Valley. Robert H. Taney is a relative of Chief Justice Roger Taney. This letter is a reminder of Maryland’s extremely divided political loyalties during the Civil War. It is in excellent condition with a few creases. (Inventory #: 6014)