KEEP HIM, PUT HIM THROUGH, AND LEARN HIM TO BE A SOLDIER
One of the most controversial figures intimately involved in the our local area of study was William T. Leeper. In this post I will introduce a portion of the records that I have compiled.
Col. W.T. Leeper
November 1861-August 1862
Camp
at Reeves Station
East
Wayne Co Mo
April
5th, 1862
Gen. Jns. M. Scofield
Dear
Sir
I am exceedingly anxious to have Capt. Wm. T. Leeper with
his co. attached temporarily to my regiment.
A small battery of Enfield Rifles guns has been attached to my Regiment
and having been much with Capt. Leeper and highly appreciating as I do himself
and his command I should be very glad to have his company as a support to the
battery. Their Enfield Rifles would
make them a most efficient support. If
you could spare Capt. L. and his Co I would be much gratified. If you cannot grant any request I hope you
will allow me to commend Capt. L as worthy of your confidence. I have been much with him and have witnessed
his conduct under varied circumstances and know that he is wise in command and
brave in danger.
With
the highest regard I am
Most
Respectfully your
Obt
Servent
Conrad
Baker
Co K Regt 2nd Cav
Commanding
2nd Brigade
I quote; "A small battery of Enfield Rifles guns has been attached to my Regiment and having been much with Capt. Leeper and highly appreciating as I do himself and his command I should be very glad to have his company as a support to the battery."
Losing those new rifles had to hurt!
*James M L Jamison taught the school on Mahan's Creek in Shannon County, MO before the commencement of outright war.
