LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 June Civil War Grand Format Auction #663  / 

72036

Univ. of Virginia Autograph Book Signed by Mosby

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
Univ. of Virginia Autograph Book Signed by Mosby
<B>University of Virginia Autograph Book Signed by Mosby,</B></I> 174 pages, 8vo (5.5” x 8.5”), tooled gilt leather covers, 1851, published in Philadelphia by P. S. Duval. In addition to the blank pages typical of 19th century autograph books, this one carries several engravings specific to UVa. These include a likeness of Thomas Jefferson, a view of nearby Monticello, The Rotunda and portraits of several faculty members. The book belonged to student Frank P. Fulton of Portsmouth, Virginia and is inscribed with sentimental verse by 51 of his classmates, each naming his hometown and/or county and state. The most famous signatory here is none other than future Confederate partisan ranger John Singleton Mosby. He writes: “<I>Dear Frank, 'In future years, when turning to survey/ The joy & scenes of many a pleasant day / If on this page you chance to cast your gaze / Recalling days of pleasure long gone by / Pause ere you turn this leaf, and lend / A transient recollection to a friend'. Yours Truly John S. Mosby Albermarle Co. Va</B></I>”. A year after these lines were penned, the diminutive Mosby would be expelled form the university for shooting campus bully George Turpin. Mosby's actions, although of a defensive nature, earned him a certain notoriety and not a little jail time. It is highly probable that, like Mosby, many of the students named in this book would go on to serve the Confederacy some years hence. Further research will tell. Interestingly over 20% of the signers are from Alabama, making that state's presence at UVa second only to Virginia's natural dominance of the student body. The binding of this small book is loose with its worn front cover and several pages being separated from the spine. Internal foxing with moderate damp stains. Overall good condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Books & Catalogs (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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