Confederate Civil War Letter by Capt. Allen S. Cutts of Sumter Georgia Artillery

Description

In this May 1861 letter, Captain Allen S. Cutts writes to Georgia Adjutant General Henry C. Wayne about his requisition for sabers and pistols for the flying artillery company he had formed, the Sumter Artillery. The full letter reads:
Americus, Geo. May 16 1861
H. C. Wayne
Adjt. General
Milledgeville, Geo.
General,
I wrote you some time ago in regard to our sabers and battery. I forwarded to you a requisition for the sabers and also pistols with a blank kept for you to fill up in case we could not get the pistols. Some two weeks have elapsed and I have heard nothing from you nor have we received the sabers. If we are to be refused our equipments for our Light Artillery it only remains for us to tender our services to the Government at Montgomery or disband. We meet on Saturday to determine what we will do and hope to have our answer for you on that day. We prefer to get our equipment from our own state and tender our services to the Governor. I have a large company of picked men, just such as are needed for our Flying Artillery company. Can we get a Battery? If so send sabers and we will wait a while. If not, we must go to Montgomery or break up as there is no use in keeping up an organization that is powerless, as of course we must be without arms and equipment. Our company will go for the War.
With great respect I have the honor to be your Obt. Servt.
A. S. Cutts
Capt. Sumter Flying Artillery
The Sumter Artillery was eventually armed and arrived in Virginia after First Manassas. The battery was expanded to a battalion in 1862, with Cutts promoted to colonel and made its commander. Cutts’ Battalion fought with the Army of Northern Virginia at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Overland Campaign, and Petersburg.
The letter written on two pages of a 4-page bifolium stationery sheet measuring about 5 1/2” x 7 1/4”. It is in excellent condition with light toning. Creased at the original folds. Included with the letter are two covers, both referencing the letter. One is pre-printed with “Adjutant General’s Office / Official Business.”
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