Page:Southern Historical Society Papers volume 26.djvu/164

 154 Southern Historical Society Papers.

On the yth February, 1863, I resigned my commission in the Con- federate States Army. On the I4th General Whiting wrote :

"I received your note with great sorrow. It leaves me in the dark about the causes of so serious a step. I suppose unwarranted interference with your command is the immediate reason."

On the 23d of the same month he wrote : " I know you have a great deal of injustice to put up with and, harder yet, I see the Sec- retary of War interfering in the subordinate details of your command ; but remember what you told me when I, too, was smarting under injustice of no common kind."

From the time he entered the Confederate service as Chief Engi- neer at Charleston, Whiting, in every position he was called upon to fill, proved himself to be a thoroughly competent officer. His great natural ability was supplemented by a high order of education and systematic study of his profession. His good influence over officers and men under him was unbounded ; and he was thoroughly loyal and true to those who were placed over him.

His extraordinary skill as a military engineer was fully exemplified in the defensive works he planned and constructed for the defense of the approaches to Wilmington ; and, I am convinced, that in the final attack of the Federals upon that place, President Davis, by superseding General Whiting at the eleventh hour and depriving him of supreme control over the defences he had created, made a sad mistake.

In private life, in every relation, he was always a warm-hearted, high-toned gentleman, respected and beloved for his great worth. His death, from wounds received when Wilmington fell, was deeply lamented by all Federal, as well as Confederate, officers who knew

him.

Very truly yours,

GUSTAVUS W. SMITH.

On the 28th February, 1863, the long delayed promotion of Brig- adier-General Whiting to Major-General was made, and the corre- spondence of the General shows letters from some of the best and bravest General Officers of the army writing of their own accord to entreat him not to decline the tardy recognition, but to accept and work on for the good of the cause. General Smith said, " Accept, I beg you, what in justice should have been done long ago."

General Gist wrote from Charleston :

" Knowing you will feel disposed to decline this promotion, from