2055

Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:6,000.00 - 8,000.00 USD
Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed

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Auction Date:2016 Sep 26 @ 13:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS signed “Jeff’n Davis,” four pages on two adjoining sheets, 5.25 x 8.25, October 9, 1868. Written from Waterloo, a letter to former Assistant Secretary of State Ambrose Dudley Mann, in full: “I have long desired to write to you but having learned that you had changed your residence was at a loss how to address you, until I met our friend Senator [James A.] Bayard in London. Immediately thereafter I returned to Liverpool and learned that my son who was at school at this place was dangerously ill, and on my arrival here found him so low that for weeks we had more to fear than to hope. He is now convalescent but my wife is quite ill, probably consequent on fatigue and anxiety, and I have suffered from the disease which has afflicted this village. You will I hope excuse the delay in announcing myself to you and believe that one of our great desires in Europe was to meet you again.

It was my intention to leave France before this date but all of my plans have been disturbed for the causes already stated. The U. S. Court before which I am under bond to appear meets again on the 23rd of Nov. and unless notified that my presence is not required I shall have to be in Richmond, Va. at that time. My counsel expected to receive notice dispensing with my attendance because the case would not be tried in the absence of the circuit judge, the Chief Justice Chase, and it was well understood that he could not preside in the Circuit Court, because the term of the Supreme Court would commence in the ensuing week. Having however been compelled on the two former occasions to go to Richmond when it was known there would be no hearing, it may be that a like needless journey will again be necessary.

As soon as the health of my family will permit it is our purpose to leave here, going in the first instance probably to Leamington, and after a short stay there we wish to go to France. My object is to locate my family in some healthy place where they may live at such small expense as our circumstances will permit, and where the children may have good schools accessible from their Mother’s lodgings. We have looked to you for information and advice. I need not say that we prefer a quiet place, and it is perhaps superfluous to add that the lowest rates consistent with comfort will be essential.

The American newspapers have not recently encouraged the hope of Seymour’s election, and I cannot bear to contemplate another four years of ‘Radical’ rule. Their crimes would probably lead to a terrible reaction and their punishment would be more full and therefore more beneficial to the oppressed South, if it were possible to wait so long and yet have life to rise again. Mrs. Davis presents to you her kindest remembrance and joins me in the hope that we may see you this fall. My address is Liverpool care of N. S. Walker 55 Canning Street. Please give my best regard to your Son, and accept assurance of the esteem and affection with which I am your friend.” In fine condition.

After his capture on May 10, 1865, Davis was detained at Fort Monroe on charges of treason against the United States for nearly two years before his release on a $100,000 bond. Davis and his family spent time in New Orleans and Canada before moving to Europe to look for work, with the constant migrating and financial burdens affecting the health of the entire family. Meanwhile, Davis anxiously awaited a trial date of November 23, a matter delayed by the unavailability of Chief Justice Salmon Chase who was tasked with the impeachment of President Andrew Johnson; ultimately, however, the charges were dismissed under the 14th Amendment. With Republican candidate U. S. Grant poised to win the upcoming presidential election, the continuation of “‘Radical’ rule” leads Jefferson to query whether “the oppressed South” will ever “have life to rise again.” Chronicling his family life abroad and ongoing uncertainty of his indictment, this letter offers unique insight into Jefferson’s outlook on the future of national politics.