Description: Theatrical Benefit in Mobile for the Relief of Mrs. Gen. Stonewall JACKSON

Date: January 3 1866

Newspaper published in: Richmond, Va.

Page/Column: 3/4

Theatrical Benefit in Mobile for the Relief of Mrs. Gen. Stonewall JACKSON

The following correspondence which appears in the Mobile papers explains itself:

Mobile Ala., Dec 18, 1865. General - Learning that Mrs. Thos. J. JACKSON, wife of the late Gen. Stonewall JACKSON, is in reduced circumstances, a large number of citizens of Mobile are anxious to give her a benefit at the theatre next Saturday morning. Messrs. ROIG & McDONOUGH, with the company, have kindly volunteered their services for the occasion, and I am requested to ascertain from you if there will be any objection made by the military authorities to such a movement at this time.

The object is not to revive any feelings of the past, but is intended rather as a tribute to the widow of a Christian soldier and gentleman who was respected alike during his life by both sections of the country.

Very Respectfully,
C. FORSYTH

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Brig. Gen. G. A. DeRussy
Commanding District of Mobile
Headq'rs District of Mobile
Mobile, Ala, Dec 20, 1865

Mr. C. Forsyth, Mobile:

Sir: In reply to your communication of the 18th December, asking "If there will be any objection made by the military authorities to certain citizens of Mobile giving the widow of the late General ‘Stonewall' JACKSON a benefit at the theatre next Saturday morning," I am directed to inform you that no objections exists on the part of the military authorities to the charitable demonstration these gentlemen propose to make in favor of an indigent lady whom they respect, especially as perfect reliance is placed in your assurance that the object is not to revive any feelings of the past, but is intended simply as a measure of relief for the benefit of a suffering lady.

Many appeals for relief will doubtless be made to the sympathy and charity of the liberal and generous among the citizens of your city during the coming winter by the poor of all conditions in life, who are even now suffering great privations in and about your city. The military authorities will be happy to assist your gentlemen and ladies in efforts to relive the general distress.

I am, sir, very respectfully,
Your obedient servant.
G. A. DeRUSSY
Brig. Gen. Vols. Com'dg Dist. Mobile

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In reference to the above, the Advertiser says: It will be seen that the citizens of Mobile have made arrangements to make the widow of the great and lamented American soldier "Stonewall Jackson" a handsome and appropriate Christmas offering, in the shape of a benefit at the theatre, next Saturday, at 12 o'clock. Fearing that the military authorities might misunderstand the spirit and object of this movement surrounded as we are by peculiar circumstances, Col. FORSYTH was requested to address a note to Brig. Gen. DeRUSSY, and received a reply characteristic of a gallant soldier, and in keeping with the uniform course adopted by him towards our people. If we mistake not, Generals JACKSON and DeRUSSY were classmates at West Point together.