The Medical History of the Confederate States. 159
and emaciated; so apparent was this, that when I marched my brigade by a group of Federal officers, one of them exclaimed in my hearing, " Great God, can it be possible that these men held us in check for so long a time." The morale of the men was excellent. They could not have been driven ; they might have been over- whelmed, but had no thought, so far as I could observe, of retreat or surrender. It would have been impossible for them to have con- tinued the struggle much longer, as it was beyond the endurance of human nature.
5. Are there any authentic accounts of the siege of Vicksburg extant.
Ans. None that I know of. The late Jefferson Davis once asked me to write a history of the siege. I contemplated doing so, but was told that Colonel McCardle, of General Pemberton's staff, was about to publish such a work, which induced me to abandon it. Regretting that I am unable to give you more accurate dates. I am, with the highest esteem, most truly yours.
ALLEN THOMAS.
STATE OF MISSOURI.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, CITY OF JEFFERSON, April 14, 1890. JOSEPH JONES, M. D.,
Surgeon General United Confederate Veterans,
156 Washington Avenue New Orleans, La. :
DEAR SIR I am in receipt of yours of the gth instant, requesting me to furnish your association data as to the number of troops fur- nished the Confederate States army by the State of Missouri, etc., and have to reply that there are no records at the capital from which to furnish the information desired.
There is an ex -Confederate association in this State, Mr. James Bannerman, Southern hotel, St Louis, being the president thereof, and it is possible that by communicating with him you may be able to ascertain what you desire to know.
Regretting my inability to comply with your courteous request, I am
Yours very respectfully,
DAVID R. FRANCIS, Governor.
