Houston, Texas, May 19^th 1894

C. C. Beavens Esq

            Adgt &c

Houston, Texas

 

Dear Sir,

            The letter of 11^th Inst. from General Stuart making enquiries in regard to Col. Joseph Phillips has been handed to me by you for information

 

In the autumn of 1861 Lieut Phillips of the C.S.A. was ordered to report to General J Bankhead Magruder, then commanding the forces on the Peninsula in Virginia with whom I was serving as Assist. Adjutant General

 

            In the summer of 1862 Genl Magruder was assigned to the Command of the District of Texas, New-Mexico & Arizona, and established his Head Quarters at / Houston, Texas—

 

            Lieut. Phillips accompanied him to Texas, and in the spring of 1863 in the organization of commands in said District was elected Lieut. Colonel of the 3^d Texas Cavalry and was subsequently assigned with his Regiment to Louisiana to participate in the military operations against Banks' advance.

 

He was by nature especially adapted to live duty, and was restive and impatient as a staff officer. We were sorry to lose his assistance and companionship, but were happy to be able to gratify his wish to command in action.

 

He was the embodiment of courage and chivalry, and fell / in a charge at the head of his regiment at Donaldsonville, L^a as we learned

 

My recollection is that he was L^t Colonel, one in command of his regiment at the time he was killed.

 

He was the idol of his men by reason of his gallantry, though a strict disciplinarian.

 

            He was born and reared in Virginia on the Peninsula, near Hampton, and was the younger brother of Capt Phillips, who during our Peninsula Campaign commanded a detached company and rendered most excellent service.

 

Your's very truly

E. P. Turner

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