July 2014 Auction Ends Thursday, July 31st, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/31/2014
Manuscript letter signed and autograph letter signed on one sheet, respectively, from Senator Jefferson Davis and Varina Davis. Letters are addressed to John W. French, a Chaplain at West Point, dated 16 March 1859 from Washington, D.C. Mrs. Davis hand-wrote her husband's letter which her husband dated ''Washington. / March 16th 1859'' and signed ''Jeffer. Davis''. (1) Jefferson Davis' letter signed as a U.S. Senator reads in full, ''Before the receipt of yours of the 3d Inst. and very soon thereafter I mentioned to the President [Buchanan] the subject of your son's appointment to West Point, though he did not answer me positively, his reply was such as to discourage the hopes I had entertained in that connexion. I however pressed the subject further upon him, and received a general assurance of consideration. I stated to him with perhaps more distinctness than courtesy the history of our disappointment in relations to the Midshipmans warrant. I enclose you a letter of Mr Toucey's [Secretary of the Navy Issac Toucey] on that subject. I am now packing my trunk to leave for home by the next train, and begging you to excuse this hurried letter am as ever affectionately your friend Jeffer. Davis''. (2) Mrs. Varina Davis autograph letter signed to Mr. French reads, in part, ''...In the hurry of Jeff's departure I can only say how thankful I feel to you for the kind letters you have sent me, and how precious they are to me...Won't you now join your prayers to mine that Jeff may come back safe and not suffer by the exposure...He is pretty well, but labors to much, as I too unceasingly - I read your advice to him, but alas with as little hope as I had to his doing you good when you were working yourself down...you were to us in the darkest hour of our lives more than friend, wiser than Brother, more faithful, gentle and soothing, and considerate than earthly Fathers often are to stricken children...Pray continue to write often, and long letters...I only wish we could say something in return cheering to Mrs French and yourself about Johnny - I will go and see Mr. Buchanan myself about him - maybe I can beg him into appointing him...My children are stout rosy little things, and the boy is good...'' Letter measures 6.5'' x 8'' on 2pp., Mrs. Davis writes on verso of her husband's letter continuing onto the conjoined second leaf. Overall, near fine condition.
Jefferson Davis Manuscript Letter Signed & Varina Davis Autograph Letter Signed -- Each Mentioning President James Buchanan
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