^#1922 ^Lot 1983 Josiah Gorgas

One of a select few Confederate generals of northern descent (1818–1883). Holding the position of Chief of Ordnance, Gorgas kept the southern armies fully equipped with weapons and ammunition in the face of the Union blockade, creating a munitions industry from the ground up. War-dated LS signed “J. Gorgas,” one page, 7.5 x 5.75, January 10, 1863. A circular written from the Ordnance Bureau in Richmond, in full: “Captain’s of Companies, attached to commands frequently send to this Bureau Quarterly Returns of Ordnance and Ordnance stores. By the Regulations, Commandants of Requirements are now responsible for all Ordnance & Ordnance stores in their respective commands & are required, assisted by their Ordnance Sergeants to make out & forward the necessary Returns. You will please call attention to the Regulations in this respect,” signed at the conclusion by Gorgas. Docketing on the reverse. In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one lightly affecting a single letter of the signature, some light soiling, a trivial spot of ink erosion, a pencil notation to the top edge, and a trimmed bottom edge. Although arming the southern forces seemed an impossible task, Gorgas rose to the occasion, building up the Confederate’s munition supply and Ordnance Bureau, which he had operating at top rate by 1863.