Evidence for cigarettes

Mr. Lazarus,

I was looking for information that would be of use to me as well as the members of my "War Of Northern Aggression" (commonly misnamed the civil war) re-enactor company. When I came upon your entry about cigarettes (Camp Chase Gazette), I felt obliged to inform you of the historical facts as I have found them. Obviously my sources could be in error, if so, my sincerest apologies. I am a private from company G, 16th Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States of America, and a Jewish descendent of a Confederate Veteran (12th Tenn. Av.Cav.) so I believe I am honor bound to strive for authenticity in my portrayal of a Confederate soldier.

The following sites will show that cigarettes were being smoked during the war. Tobacco Timeline, History of Cigarette Advertising and The Start/Growth of Smoking.

There were probably very few manufactured cigarettes, those that did smoke cigarettes most likely rolled their own. I have been searching for the letter (on a web site) I read in which a soldier (an officer or surgeon if memory serves me) is telling his wife about how much more he smokes now that he is smoking cigarettes and not his pipe. If I find it I will send it to you.

With great respect, Private Hagman, 16th Arkansas Infantry.