Pelham Leaves West Point

On February 27, 1861, Cadet John Pelham put pen to paper at the United States Military Academy at West Point and started an exciting chain of events which would begin his brilliant Confederate military career. West Point, like the nation itself, was in turmoil the winter before the bombardment of Fort Sumter. The cadets came from every state in the now crumbling Union. Like the citizens of those states they were faced with a most important decision. They had to decide to support the Union and fight for it or fight for its dissolution. For the cadets it meant staying at West Point and accepting a commission in the Union Army, or leaving the Point and all the effort invested toward graduation to fight for the South.

At this great turning point in his life John Pelham exhibited a characteristic clear-headedness which would win him praise later, on the battlefield. He made the decision to leave West Point. No doubt, it was not easy for him. In his nearly five years at the Academy he had established a fine reputation among both faculty and peers. In William Hassler's book on Pelham he tells a story of the way Pelham's friends worked to help him win a position on the Color Guard, an honor for a cadet. His own ability won him the position and much praise, but he blushed beet red in receiving both. He was only a few months from graduation when he made plans to leave.

With these plans in mind on that February day in 1861 he sat down to write two letters. Both were addressed to his father, Dr. Atkinson Pelham of Alexandria, Alabama. The first letter is presently lost to historians. But the second letter was enclosed with the first to Jefferson Davis, then acting President of the Confederacy in Montgomery, Alabama. Had John's letter been addressed directly to Jefferson Davis during those troubled times at West Point, it would have been confiscated by the staff and the author held responsible for its "treasonous" contents. Via John's father the letter made it to Jefferson Davis on March 15, 1861. From there it went to the Confederate Archives, and rests now among "unfiled papers" in the U.S. Archives in Washington, D.C. The letter reads:

His Excellency
Jeff. Davis

West Point, N.Y.
Feb 27th '61

Dear Sir,
Being still a member of the Mily Acad'y, I don't think it would be exactly proper for me to offer my services to the new government but I am anxious to serve it to the best of my ability. If you think it would be better for me to resign now than to wait and graduate which will be in June a single word from you will cause me to resign and as soon as my resignation is accepted, I will con¬sider myself under your orders and repair to Montgomery without delay.

I am a member of the 1st class which graduates in June next -- you know the importance of that portion of the course still to be completed, and also whether my services are needed at present. May I expect a recall if needed?

Most Respect'y
Your ObIt Serv't
Jno. Pelham of
Alabama

John's offer of service was accepted. His commission in the Confederate Army as a first lieutenant dates the next day, March 16, 1861. His resignation from West Point is dated April 22, 1861.

Filed with John's letter is an equally enlightening letter from Atkinson Pelham to Jefferson Davis. It notes: "He is intelligent, athletic and well proportioned. I think he will made a good soldier." Dr. Pelham's statement was indeed prophetic. It launched a meteoric career for his son which would end two years and one day letter in his mortal wounding on the battlefield of Kelly's Ford, Virginia.

-- by Patrick Shaub

Editor's Note: The following letter relating to Pat's article, is submitted by Associate member Laura Perkinson. The original is from the Masonic Collection, Mss. Div., Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama.

West Point, N. Y.
March 31st /61

Hon. A.J. Walker

Dear Sir,
I received you favor on the 25th yesterday. Until it came I was quite uncertain whether I could graduate -- now I think I shall. President Davis advised some of his friends here in my class to graduate, by all means and gave sufficient reasons. A short time ago (about the 25th of Feby) he wrote to a member to my class to offer his services, so that he could be recalled if needed. Myself and the only other members of the 1st Class from the Confederacy did likewise. I conclude from your letter and its date (for he must have received mine) that he did not trouble himself to open it. So I think I can graduate. Mr. Lincoln does not seem to be very anxious for war, and I guess every thing will remain quiet till June -- in the mean time I will better qualify myself for a position in life especially for the military profession. As soon as I graduate I shall resign, and apply for an appointment in the Southern Army -- if they do not see to give it other professions are opened to me. I hope, however, to get one. The Army suits me better than anything else, and I feel a confidence that I can succeed in it.

I am studying very hard at present, not only the text the Acad'y, but other useful Military works.

I will graduate and be relieved from duty at the Mil'y Acad'y about the 15th of June. I will be in Montgomery as soon after as possible -- will then be ready to commence duty with the Southern Army if the authorities will allow it. I would rather spend a week or two at home, but must forego that pleasure, if it would endanger my chance of getting an appointment.

I thank you sincerely for visiting the President and Sec'ry of War in my behalf, and for all the kindness and friendliness you have ever evinced for me.

Your last letter did indeed relieve me from very unpleasant apprehensions.

Your most obliged friend
Jno. Pelham

This article first appeared in Volume 1, No. 6 of The Cannoneer.

W.W. Hassler, Colonel John Pelham: Lee's Boy Artillerist.
Philip Mercer, The Gallant Pelham
Unfiled Slips and Papers, Confederate Records, United States Archives, Washington, D.C.