LeRoy Pope Walker letter signed as Confederate Secretary of War, dated 31 August 1861 on CSA War Department letterhead. Walker served in this role for only five months, from the time war broke out until 16 September 1861. He writes to Reverend Elisha Philips of Alabama, in part, ''Sir...you ask for 'permission to visit the Army & Camps of the Confederate States, with the view of collecting materials for biographical notices of those who may have fallen in battle, and thus perpetuating, as you say, for the Country, the memory of its heroic Dead,' is received. / I have the honor to say that your object is approved by this Department...in the service of the Confederate States as requested to afford you all proper facilities, in aid of this object...L P Walker / Secretary of War''. Single page letter on bifolium measures 7.75'' x 9.75''. Toning to verso and light foxing. Split starting along fold lines and slight smudge to signature. Very good condition.