[Civil War - Manuscripts] Civil[Civil War - Manuscripts] Civil War Letter from Capt. Nathaniel Hanscom 3rd Maine Infantry ALS from Capt. Nathaniel Hanscom Co. G 3rd Maine Infantry 3pp dated Oct 26 1861 at Camp Howard outside Washington. Writing to his sister Capt. Hanscom talks of camp life battle casualties and his recent promotion. He even writes of the remarkable health of his company with only two men sick however he would later die of disease at Fair Oaks VA on June 16 1862 hardly a year after his enlistment. Accompanied by the original envelope. Condition: Very good condition.
HENRY WARD BEECHER LETTER handHENRY WARD BEECHER LETTER hand written with pen and ink. (American clergyman author social reformer abolitionist etc. 1813-1887). The letter written to a New York contributor dated June 1 (18)82 and signed Henry Ward Beecher. Under glass.
War of 1812 Soldier's Letter datedWar of 1812 Soldier's Letter dated December 21, 1814, from Micajah C. Rogers to an unknown officer, in the "Vicinity of Fort Montgomery" (probably Fort Montgomery in Mississippi Territory), written in the weeks between the Battles of Pensacola and New Orleans and only days before the signing of the Treaty of Ghent ended the war, describing reconnaissance along the Escambia River, Major Blue's troop movements, and the capture and killing of Indians in Pensacola, 17 lines on one page, handwritten in brown ink on laid paper, 12 x 7-1/8 in.,
AMERICAN LETTER. Dated FebruaryAMERICAN LETTER. Dated February 3, 1819. Pen and ink on paper detailing the settling of an estate in Middleton, Jefferson County, Kentucky. Addressed to "Mr. John Burriss" from his brother "HB". Some stains and tears. Framed to show both sides, 14.5"h. 20.5"w.
WAR OF 1812 NY SOLDIER'S LETTERWAR OF 1812 NY SOLDIER'S LETTER 1814Letter from Sackets Harbor soldier to friend in Georgia with content. "I have went through a thousand scenes since I saw you ... the enemy is within 30 miles of us their soldiers desert from them every opportunity ... they are obliged to keep a guard to prevent them ... tell Thos Lamar that if he neglects to write me that I shall think hard of him ..." Letter measures 12-1/2" x 8". This document is one of several dozen important signed pieces in today's sale that were part of a large collecion of American historical documents from 1650 through WWII. The estate collection, assembled from about 1920-1960, has never been offered for sale at auction. See images. This item can be shipped in-house.
1856 James Buchanan autograph letter,1856 James Buchanan autograph letter, ALS, to General Robert Patterson from James Buchanan (15th President of the United States, 1857-1861), pre-presidential letter dated November 17, 1856, sent from Wheatland, James Buchanan's rural home in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, 12 lines responding to a dinner invitation at General Patterson's Philadelphia home, "I received your kind invitation to dinner and regret to say that…I cannot do myself the pleasure of accepting it", 8 x 6-1/2 in. Folds, fading, toning. Descended through the Family of General Robert Patterson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed.1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed. Sand, George. Nohant, April 10, 1863. 4 pp., 8vo. On Sand's "GS" blind-stamped stationary. Clean. To Therese Bentzon, a protege of Sand's, future feminist author, daughter of Sand's longtime friend Count d'Auer.
(8) CIVIL WAR LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS,(8) CIVIL WAR LETTERS AND DOCUMENTS, TO INCLUDE:1) a letter dated November 12, 1863 from a Union soldier stationed at Fort Mifflin, PA, to his sisters. He talks about his rations and money problems, as well as recounting how 2 of the Rebel prisoners working in the kitchens attempted an escape. One escaped by swimming in the canal. Good condition. 2) Letter dated Nov. 1862 from E. W. Whitney to his wife, good condition. 3) Letter from Corporal Joseph Samuels. One sentence states "There were three white men there, dressed in soldier's clothes who I think are in charge of the negroes and I don't know where they got the potatoes and cabbage." Good condition. 4) Letter from George W. Long talking about soldiers stealing potatoes. Good condition. 5) Letter from private John J. Phifer, Grand Guard of Frilles Brigade, good condition. 6) Statement of Private Calvin D. French, acting corporal of the Grand Guard of Frilles Brigade, discussing acquiring peaches from an abandoned orchard. Good condition. 7) A letter from a soldier to his father stationed near Petersburg, dated Jan 18, 1864. In the letter he mentions President Lincoln, General Grant, and his battle plan for the coming spring to concentrate nearly all of the Yankee Army on Richmond. The letter is in a 2 sided shadow box frame and split into 6 pieces where it was once folded. 8) a statement by Corporal Francis M. Eder, corporal Grand Guard Friller Brigade, also talking about potatoes. Good condition. Along with 6 Confederate banknotes that appear to have been in a fire.
Abraham Lincoln Civil War handwrittenAbraham Lincoln Civil War handwritten signed letter Executive Mansion September 28 1861 written to the Paymaster General quoting a message received from Mr. Thomas requesting that he supply ration money for Mulligan's Brigade framed alongside an engraved portrait. sight size of letter: H7'' W4 1/2'' overall: H14 3/4'' W18 3/4'' Provenance: From the collection of a descendant of William Little Steele of Chatham County North Carolina. Literature: The telegram sent by William Thomas was also referenced in another letter written to the Quartermaster General on September 27 1861 and cited in Basler Roy P. ed. THE COLLECTED WORKS OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN. vol. IV. New Burnswick NJ: Rutgers University Press 1959. p. 538. Other Notes: Full text: Executive Mansion Sep. 26 1861 Paymaster General My dear Sir I have a dispatch from Springfield Illinois saying: ''Mulligan's Brigade is on our hands and no money to purchase a ration-We apply for money and obtain no answer- Mr. Thomas.'' Will you please attend to this. Yours truly A. Lincoln Colonel James A. Mulligan was the commanding officer of the 23rd Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry known as the ''Irish Brigade.'' He commanded the Union troops during the First Battle of Lexington (Missouri) on September 13-September 20. His troops were forced to surrender to pro-Confederate forces led by Major General Sterling Price on September 20th. Condition: Front: blindstamp in upper left corner; erased notes in upper right and lower right corners. Fold along the right side. Verso reinforced with another page of paper glued down and written over (is of the same period). Back   Inquiry    Previous Item  Next Item © Charlton Hall Auctions. Images descriptions and condition reports used on this site are original copyright material and are not to be reproduced without permission. For further information telephone 803.779.5678   © 2012 CHARLTON HALL GALLERIES INC.
1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed.1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed. (Davis, Jefferson.) April 30, 1880. 4 pp., 8vo; first page slightly faded, other pages rather faded, signature rather faded. To Lucius Bellinger Northrop, apparently supporting Northrop's view of his own performance as Confederate Commissary General. Entirely in the hand of Mrs. Jefferson Davis.
Dated January 14th 1863 letterDated January 14th 1863 letter signed by Civil War Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles.
Joseph Medill letter to Lincoln,Joseph Medill letter to Lincoln, 12-line autograph letter on Tribune Office letterhead, Chicago, Illinois, December 3, 1861, to "President Lincoln", introducing the bearer, George Ely "of this city, a brother of Congressman Ely who is a prisoner in Richmond…Any favor you may show him will be gratifying…", signed "J. Medill", 7-3/4 x 5-1/4 in. Folds, minor toning. The Rail Splitter, September 16, 2003, Lot 242; Collection of H. Donald Nelson, Williamsburg, Virginia.
Robert Anderson signed letter,Robert Anderson signed letter, four pages in brown ink dated 1856 to Captain Bowman regarding military construction: "I hope you will not forget to send me the receipt for mixing the cement…You will find that I was compelled to assume a responsibility…not belonging to my duties, but the circumstances were apparently so urgent that there was no other remedy…I would like to know whether the Secy wishes to keep me on this duty or not…I told the Secy of War Jefferson Davis when in Washington that my wife's health was not improving…", 8 x 10-1/2 in. Fold through "r" in Robert", minor holes and edge chips, light toning, ink smudges. Early American History Auctions, February 11, 2006, Lot 7; Collection of H. Donald Nelson, Williamsburg, Virginia.
1864 CONFEDERATE LETTER, SOUTH1864 CONFEDERATE LETTER, SOUTH CAROLINALetter from Confederate soldier, John P. Matheson, in the Office of Chief Quartermaster, South Carolina, to a family friend, a physician in Williamsburg, William S. Boyd, M.D., regarding the delivery of four $100 Confederate bonds. Letter measures9-3/4" x 7-3/4". This document is one of several dozen important signed pieces in today's sale that were part of a large collection of American historical documents from 1650 through WWII. The estate collection, assembled from about 1920-1960, hasnever been offered for sale at auction. Folds. See images. This item can be shipped in-house.
Samuel F. B. Morse letter, seven-lineSamuel F. B. Morse letter, seven-line autograph letter, December 31, 1861 to the lecture committee of the Mercantile Library Association, Washington, D.C., accepting invitation to an address to be delivered by Edward Everett, boldly signed "Saml. F. B. Morse", 8 x 4-7/8 in., with PSA/DNA letter of authenticity. Normal folds, minor edge soiling. Heritage-Slater Americana, auction of February 23, 2006, Lot 25631; Collection of H. Donald Nelson, Williamsburg, Virginia.
AUTOGRAPHED SIGNED LETTER FROMAUTOGRAPHED SIGNED LETTER FROM PRESIDENT ANDREW JOHNSON LETTER DATED OCTOBER 23 1868 written to Col. R. A. Crawford Customs Dept. in Brazos Santiago Texas on Executive Mansion Washington DC letterhead - ''Dear Sir; Mr. Stuart Nelson son of Hon. Thos. A. R. Nelson of Knoxville desires some suitable position under you and I write to express the hope that you will do all you can for him. I would be gratified to learn of his appointment and trust that you will give his case your special consideration. Very truly yours Andrew Johnson.''
[Civil War - Autographs] Civil[Civil War - Autographs] Civil War Letter Addressed to Brigadier General L.W. Thomas 1p dated October 21 1863 at New York to Brigadier General L.W. Thomas Adjutant General U.S. Army stationed in Vicksburg from Henry G. Crichmore writing from his office at the American Bank Note Company in New York requesting an official confirmation of his recent appointment as a Captain in the Corps d'Afrique. Crickmore had already served his three months as a Sergeant in Co. B 8th New York Infantry in the summer of 1862 and does appear on the rolls of the 4th U.S. Cavalry Colored Troops which was organized from the 1st Corps d'Afrique Cavalry at New Orleans in 1864. Condition: Soiling and scattered stains with minor separation along fold lines.
Collection of Civil War lettersCollection of Civil War letters to and from the family of Lewis Foster 9th Regiment of Artillery 2nd Brigade 3rd Division 6th... ?
1865 CIVIL WAR LETTER, WAR CONTENT18651865 CIVIL WAR LETTER, WAR CONTENT1865 letter from J.H. Tyler from Napoleon, Ohio. Recounts the fate of some soldiers -- presumably those with whom he served. Includes line about Col. P.S. Slevin, in the battle of Limestone Creek, "...shot thro the thigh and died while his leg was b ing amputated." Measures 10-1/2" x 8-1/4". Framed under glass. shipping info This item can be shipped in-house.
UNION OFFICER'S AUTOGRAPH LETTERUNION OFFICER'S AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED JOHN T. NORTON Washington, D.C., December 13, 1862, to his father in Norway, New York, reading Pardon me for not writing to you before as I was uncertain whether I should get my discharge or return to my Regiment. I have decided on the latter. I go on monday . The Col. is anxious that I should come and join my Company. My health is much improved since I left home. Still I am afraid I shall not be able to stand the hardships of camp life. The 97th is now before Fredricksburg (sic). I expect they are having a warm time there. Our regiment is with Gen Franklins Corps which crossed the river three miles below the City. All appearances show that there will be a great battle fought there. I hope our forces may be successfull and drive the accursed rebbles from our land. If our army is successfull the fall of Richmond must ensue. iI hope it will as it will end in crushing this rebellion and may this war soon end when peace and harmony may again reign in our land. I shall be blessed to hear from you soon, give my love to all. Mailing envelope remains with the letter; the stationery, oddly, seems to be embossed with a "CS" in the upper left corner.
1 piece. Typed Letter Signed.1 piece. Typed Letter Signed. Roosevelt, Theodore. Washington, D.C., April 30, 1892. 1 p., 4to; slightly dusty, occasional minor chipping to edges. On United States Civil Service Commission letterhead. To S.S. McClure, Esq., "I don't think I could possibly write a story. I have never gone in for fiction... I don't believe that I can at present give you another hunting story..."
Robert E. Lee ALS 1835 Robert E.Robert E. Lee ALS 1835 Robert E. Lee (1807-1870). 3pp ALS with military content dated February 18 1835 at Washington addressed to My Glorious Jack (Jack Mackay Lee's West Point roommate and one of his closest friends).?Holding the rank of second lieutenant at the time of writing Lee was serving as an assistant in the chief engineer's office in Washington but was anticipating an appointment to some project for the summer.? He makes clear his preference for hard work on a necessary project as opposed to an easier assignment guarding some far-flung or unimportant outpost:My opinion upon the matter has been formed from the little experience I have had of a Garrison life in time of Peace where I have seen minds formed for use & ornament degenerate into sluggishness & inactivity requiring the stimulus of Brandy or Cards to rouse them to action and apparently a burden to the [?] and perhaps an injury to their companions.? I intend no compliment when I say I believe you are in no danger of the kind attended to or any other affecting the character of a Gentl' or officer and that your good sense & natural feeling will always prevent you from falling into such habits yet as in my own person[?] I shall not wish to be exposed to the temptation neither would I wish you.?Lee ended up being ordered to survey the Ohio/Michigan Territory border in anticipation of Michigan's admission to the Union which he indeed found challenging evidenced by a letter to his wife that summer in which he rebuked her for requesting his early return home by saying "I rather require to be strengthened & encouraged to the full performance of what I am called on to execute."? The task was certainly not a run-of-the-mill surveying job as the claims of both sides had resulted in the armed standoff known as the "Toledo War" and Lee's border became part of the final compromise.Lee uses the remainder of the letter to update Mackay with the latest news regarding their former classmates and mutual friends:.... Joe Johnston is here & from occasionally accompanying me over the [?] is in some danger of being caught by a pack of Blackeys.? Jim Z. is at Ft. Gibson Arkansas river.? Me & Mine are all well and after Congress rises[?] you will hear more of us.? My Brother Smith was married on the 5th inst. to Miss Hanie Mason we had a grand Frolick for the balance of the week. Condition: One third of the letter slightly faded but legibility is impeded more so by Lee's handwriting.
2 pieces. American Civil War Era2 pieces. American Civil War Era Manuscript Material: Document Signed. Sheridan, P(hilip) H., Major General. New Orleans, Dec. 28th, 1865. 1 p., 4to on Headquarters, Military Division of The Gulf letterhead; light creases along folds. Pass permitting ex-Confederate General Simon B. Buckner to travel to St. Louis and then back to New Orleans. * Manuscript Document. Receipt for medical supplies delivered to Camp Garrison, Virginia, July 2, 1862. Small folio on blue lined paper. Both framed.
CIVIL WAR PERSONAL LETTER AND SEVENCIVIL WAR PERSONAL LETTER AND SEVEN MILITARY DOCUMENTS To include: ALS, "Picket Reserve", June 7th, 1863, to "Hattie," mostly home news, but the officer writes about a Confederate officer withdrawing a picket post and a drummer losing his soldier father in a military hospital (consignor IDs this letter to 121st PA Infantry); sheet of three Federal quartermaster transportation forms, Atlanta, GA; ordnance and ammunition report, 4 pp.; two 3rd Army Corps circulars from Major General French, 1863 and 1864; a Connecticut enlistment form for George C. Abbey, 1862; a discharge certificate naming one Samuel G. Baker, but otherwise blank; a discharge certificate for John L. Kite, a hospital steward.
1863 Joseph Hooker autograph letter,1863 Joseph Hooker autograph letter, war-date ALS on "Headquarters, Army of the Potomac" letterhead, one-page letter dated February 21st, 1863, from Union Major General Joseph Hooker (1819-1879), to Adj. General Lorenzo Thomas, inquiring about the consolidation of regular infantry, "I am very anxious to carry the measure into effect at once," 7-1/2 x 5 in.; accompanied by carte-de-visite of General Hooker, identified in period ink verso, 4 x 2-1/2 in. Fading, toning, stains, pencil inscriptions recto and verso, creases. Private Collection, Charlottesville, Virginia
1836 GEORGIA LETTER RE INDIAN WARS,1836 GEORGIA LETTER RE INDIAN WARS, GEN JESUPLetter dated September 17, 1836, regarding a Florida land deal. Writer is communicating presumably with would-be investors or other interested parties about "a band of 3000 acres of the best land on the St. John's River, as navigation is all-important." He goes on to describe the challenge presented by the Indian Wars, but says that "a very strong army will be sent against them next month with Genl. Jesup at their head ... now he may drive them out of the country or force them to a compliance ... of some shape." Indeed, General Jesup's solution involved controversially capturing chiefs Osceola and Micanopy under a false flag of truce after each had agreed to sign a peace treaty. Letter is faintly postmarked and measures 10" x 7-3/4".
Sgn. A. Lincoln Letter Letter datedSgn. A. Lincoln Letter Letter dated November 19 1862 to Abraham Lincoln from Leonard Myers requesting Fort Delaware becoming a chaplain post with Mr. Shrigley serving as chaplain. Letter from Abraham Lincoln dated Dec. 2 1862 ''I invite the advice of the Hon. Sec. of War regarding this matter.''E
APPROXIMATELY 60 SIGNED LETTERS,APPROXIMATELY 60 SIGNED LETTERS, CA 1866, DEALINGWITH ACTIVITY IN THE THIRTY-NINTH U. S. CONGRESS, MANY PIECES ON SENATE STATIONARY, MILITARY COMMISSIONS SIGNED BY VARIOUS MAJOR GENERALS SUCH AS MAJOR GENERAL JEFFERSON C. DAVIS (HE IS KNOWN FOR KILLING A SUPERIOR OFFICER IN 1862). OTHER NOTABLE SIGNATURES IN THE COLLECTION INCLUDE GOVERNOR RICHARD YATES OF ILLINOIS, W. BROWNLOW, GOVERNOR OF TENNESSEE, MAJOR GENERAL W. B. HAYES AND ALEXANDER BULLOCK, GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS. PROVENANCE: FAIRHAVEN COLONIAL CLUB. MANY LETTERS ARE REQUESTS AND RESPONSES FOR AUTOGRAPHS FROM VARIOUS MILITARY AND POLITICAL FIGURES BY JOHN E. COGGESHALL OF FAIRHAVEN, MASS, WHO ASSEMBLED THIS 19TH CENTURY AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION.
CONFEDERATE LETTER 1861 VIRGINIAACONFEDERATE LETTER 1861 VIRGINIAA Civil War Confederate letter hand written by JC Franklin to his wife near Centerville, VA on Dec. 17th 1861. Laminated paper 6.75 x 4.75 inches. Contains "I hear of death every moment" and mentions the death of a friend.
General William T. Sherman letter,General William T. Sherman letter, ALS, to General Robert Patterson from General William T. Sherman (1820-1891, served as general for the Union Army in the Civil War), dated May 5, 1877, addressed to General Patterson in New York on stationery marked "Headquarters Army of the United States, Washington, D.C.", 28 lines responding to a dinner invitation and discussing the approaching visit of General Grant and other military issues, "…but regret extremely that I cannot be with you on the 11th for have the difficult task to undertake of carrying on war and an army without money…", 8 x 10 in. Lot accompanied by photo taken at the Patterson mansion at an anniversary dinner of the Aztec Club. The military figures include General Robert Patterson (seated fourth from left) and General Ulysses Grant to his right, (two pieces). Folds, toning, minor stains, fading. Descended through the Family of General Robert Patterson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed.1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed. Davis, Jefferson. N.p., n.d. 1p., 12mo. Clean & clear. As Secty. of War (1853-1857), relating to munitions shipment to Russia.
WAR OF 1812, SOLDIER'S LETTER,WAR OF 1812, SOLDIER'S LETTER, RISQUE CONTENTLetter from Williamsport, Pennsylvania, soldier to a friend in Virginia, dated September 1812. Mentions Col. Coles and their hospitable treatment by a Dutch settlement along the Susquehanna. Once drinks were offered to them, "... unfortunately it was my turn to mount guard, which put it completely out of my power to attend their home and drink a little wine with them ... however, the old horse [presumably the colonel] and the rest of the officers gallanted them about the camp in stile ... wehave a good deal of fun on the road shaging [sic] the dutch girls ..." Letter (opened) measures about 10" x 16". This document is one of several dozen important signed pieces in today's sale that were part of a large collection of American historical documents from 1650 through WWII. The estate collection, assembled from about 1920-1960, has never been offered for sale at auction. Some separations and bleed. See images. This item can be shipped in-house.
POW Letter From Andersonville withPOW Letter From Andersonville with Archive(24) war-date Union soldier's letters by Private Simeon B. Merrill Co. G 5th Michigan Infantry to his wife Julia in Fowlerville Michigan. The 33 year-old Merrill enlisted the day after Christmas 1863 and was soon serving in Virginia with one of his state's seasoned combat regiments. The letters written between January 3 and June 5 1864 record Merrill's experiences from initial training at Ft. Wayne Indiana to his arrival at the prison stockade in Andersonville Georgia. The bulk of the material was penned at a ''Camp near Brandy Station'' and consists of personal news interspersed with military vignettes. Private Merrill was captured along Virginia's North Anna River on May 12 1864 and wrote his first letter from Andersonville on June 5th. It reads in full "You have probably ere this heard that I am dead or missing. I was taken prisoner on the morning of the 12th of May. We had been fighting about one hour near Spottsylvannia (sic) Court house. I am now a prisoner of war but I am well. I hope if this ever reaches you it will find you the same. There is two more Livingston men with us one by the name of Simon Dolph brother to Peter Lamoverix('s)wife and a young man by the name of Marr from the Town of Howell. How long we shall stop here I cannot tell but you must keep up good courage and maybe all will be right yet. I am not allowed to write but one page and my pen is very poor. Write as soon as you receive this Julia for I want to hear from you very much. Direct to Camp Sumpter (sic) Andersonville Georgia 64 Detachment 3rd Mess S B Merrill. I came in here one week ago today no more this time." This brief letter was Private Merrill's last in this archive though a POW cover with no letter is included. Bringing closure to Merrill's correspondence is a two-page letter from attorney Henry Clay Heartwell Pontiac Michigan July 15 1865 to Mrs. Merrill that reads in full ''Your note of inquiry relative to your husband S B Merrill brings this response. I was acquainted with him about the time he died but at that time I did not think that I should ever get out myself so I was not as particular about it as I would otherwise. He died about the last of August last. If you want to get his back pay&c. if you will send forward your request to me as I am in an office with James S. Dewey attorney and claim agent. I can furnish the only proof that can be had requisite to get such dues. All business of this kind done with dispatch and success or no charge. Please answer immediately. Very Respectfully H. Clay Hartwell Pontiac Mich. P.S. This ticket is just as I received it from headquarters: 7269 is the number of grave." Hartwell had served with the 1st Michigan Light Artillery and escaped captivity in Macon Georgia on April 7 1865. Included are the following supplemental items: ''Life of Captain Hedley Vicars'' by the American Tract Society; a largely unused pocket ledger; miscellaneous letters 1860s and later; 19th century land deeds and tax receipts; Hall family genealogical listings. All items were bound together in a small 19th century document box which is present.Nearly all of the war-date letters include original postal covers and one letter is on colorful Charles Magnus stationery.Overall very good condition the letters with folds and light aging as expected.
1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed.1 piece. Autograph Letter Signed. Greeley, Horace. New York, Nov. 19, 1870. 1 p., 12mo. Some creasing, repairs to verso. On New York Tribune letterhead.
JEFFERSON DAVIS LETTER TO J.B.JEFFERSON DAVIS LETTER TO J.B. LINDSLEY, REF. MCGAVOCKJefferson Davis letter to Nashville author, doctor, minister and educator Dr. John Berrien Lindsley with good retrospective content regarding the American Civil War and mention of Nashville war hero Col. Randal McGavock. In this 1 1/2 page letter and enclosed small note dated March 11, 1887 from Davis's home, Beauvoir, the former president of the Confederate States of America writes, "My dear sir, I duly received and acknowledged the beautiful and valuable volume of which you are the author. The work is to me rendered doubly dear as another one of the offerings made by woman to the cause of the south, for such it became when the southern states alone contended for the freedom and independence which the constitution was formed alone to secure and preserve. Please give my cordial thanks to Mrs. Lindsley, the sister of a hero in the war between the states, and daughter of a comrade in arms of the immortal Jackson. I trust the example you have set will be followed by other states for the commemoration of patriots who dared all for States Rights and self government, the priceless heritage which descended to us from our fathers of the Revolution. Respectfully and truly yours, Jefferson Davis." Also included is a small enclosed note marked "Private: It is a ___ solicism to term the resistance of states to coercion "a rebellion". Subjects, not sovereign, may "rebel" and the states won their sovereignty in the war of 1776. It is politically inaccurate to term ours a "civil war" which properly applies to a war between factions of one body politic, whereas ours was a war between the states united by a Federal league for enumerated purposes & therefore it was a war between states which being united by consent separated on the exercise of their reserved sovereignty. JSD." Note: the letter and note, which appear to have been penned and signed by Varina Davis, Jefferson's wife, were likely written upon receipt of Lindsley's book, The Military Annals of Tennessee, published 1886. John Berrien Lindsley's wife was Sarah McGavock, granddaughter of Randal McGavock, owner of Carnton Plantation in Franklin, Tennessee and mayor of Nashville from 1824-1825; she was the sister of Randal William McGavock, Nashville mayor (1858-1859) and CSA Colonel, killed in action while leading a counter attack at the Battle of Raymond in Mississippi in 1863. Provenance: formerly from the collection of Miss Margaret Lindsley Warden of Nashville, Tennessee. (Higher-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com)
Condition:
Overall toning, the beginnings of separations at fold lines, retains original envelope with staining at bottom and around stamp area (corresponding stains to letter, mainly in upper right corner).
3FRAMED AMERICAN CIVIL WAR-ERA3FRAMED AMERICAN CIVIL WAR-ERA HAND-WRITTEN LETTERFramed American Civil War-era hand-written letter on paper, addressed to the letter writer's parents, mostly documenting marches, mentions marching "about four miles the other side of Bull Run battlefield," framed alongside envelope with Washington D.C. Oct. 24, 1863 postmark, housed in double-sided frame, label from Old Colony Shop, Alexandria, Virginia, overall: 27.25"h, 16.5"w, 7.25lbs