Leroy Walker was a hard working yet inefficient first Secretary of War for the Confederacy. Francis Pickens was obsessed with defending his state against the coming Yankee threat. What could possibly go wrong? Before Walker resigned on September 16th due to the strain of the position, Pickens showed off his amateur military knowledge to push for specific coastal defense needs. In a letter from September 1st, he strongly urged for Colonel Maxcy Gregg's assistance on the coast since he believed an invasion was imminent and Gregg would give 'confidence to the country.' Also, in a jab at Walker's effectiveness, Pickens wished to avoid 'disasters' similar to what happened 'on the defenseless coast of North Carolina.' Also, Pickens speaks about remodeling old guns from the country since fresh arms weren't available, practically begging Walker for more weapons & powder as well as more troops. Finally, Pickens outlined his ideal military setup so that he 'could feel safe for the present,' bringing to mind his contempt of Roswell Ripley, commander of the SC coastal defenses.
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| Francis Pickens looking properly stern. |
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| Brigadier General Roswell Ripley |
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| CSA's 1st Secretary of War, Leroy Walker |
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| The dashing Maxcy Gregg |
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