Dated “Hd Qrs A.T. in the Field///Sept. 19, 1863. . Addressed to “Capt. R.P. Rowley/ Ringold [GA]”. 1 pp., in pencil, on lined paper, 5.5 x 4.5”. Exhibits slight yellowing, w/fold-marks and mounting stain along right margin. Else VG and entirely legible. In protective sleeve, documentation available.

This letter is from a collection of war-time correspondence of R.P. Rowley who served in various post, at various ranks, with the Confederate Corps of Army Engineers. Rowley was a talented Arkansas native who was promoted eventually to Lt. Colonel, serving first with the Army of Tennessee and later in the Trans-Miss. Dept, where he superintended engineering projects in the districts of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona. At the war’s end he returned to Arkansas, serving in the state legislature, residing on a Mississippi River plantation in Lonoke County, where he died in 1899. The Rowley collection affords many glimpses into the activities of Engine Corps personnel, both with the Army of Tennessee and Trans. Miss.

The note is written in the hand of Stephen William Presstman, a 31 year old Alexandria, VA., resident and civil engineer who enlisted in June 1861 as Captain in the 17^th VA Infantry. Transferring to the Corps of Engineers, he was promoted eventually to Lt. and Chief Engineer of the Army of Tennessee. He was accidently killed in a railway accident, at Danville, VA, 1/31/1864.

Text: “Capt R. P. Rowley Engr Corps….will without delay join me—bringing with him Capt. Pharr and Lieut. Newcombe’s Compys of Engineer troop. Bring three days cooked rations and leave tools at Leeb’s Tan Yard./ S.W. Presstman/ Capt & Ch Engr A.T.”

This note was written on September 19, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Chickamauga. The Battle of Ringgold Gap would take place, Nov 27, 1863. Army of Tennessee engineering personnel were smack dab in the midst of it. Invites further research.

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