Lot 305
Benjamin, Judah P. War-date autograph letter signed ("J.P. Benjamin"), 1 page, 10 x 8 in., Richmond, Oct. 7, 1861, as Confederate Secretary of War on imprinted "War Department/ Confederate Confederate States of America" stationery. To Major General Gustavus W. Smith, refusing two requests. In full, "Sir, I answer at the President's request your memorandum of 2nd inst- 1st, It is not possible to spare Col. [John Bell] Hood- He has been ordered to other service, and will leave for Western Virginia in a day or two with his Regiment. 2nd, Lieut. [Horace] Randall never having made any explanation either to the president or this Department of his resignation, cannot be appointed to the post you suggest. If that officer thinks injustice has been done him, he owes it to the President as well as to himself to state his case and ask for redress. As long as he fails to take this course, he cannot be the recipient of an appointment from the Executive. Yr obt St, J.P.Benjamin." In excellent condition.
Judah Benjamin (1811-1884) had served as U.S. senator from Louisiana (1853-1861) before the war. He was the highest ranking Jewish Confederate Cabinet member. He served as Attorney General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State. Speaking both French and Yiddish, he secured a three million dollar loan from the French Jewish bankers. After the fall of the Confederacy, Benjamin escaped to England where he became head of the British bar, the only American to hold that title. He also authored a book on torts which is still in use today. Benjamin married a Catholic woman, Natalie Bauche de St. Martin, in 1833; she lived most of the time after their marriage in Paris. Benjamin is buried in the St. Martin family crypt in the Catholic Pere Lachaise Cemetary.
Gustavus Smith (1821-1896) was commissioned Major General (Sept.19, 1861) just prior to the writing of this letter. He commanded a wing of the Army of Northern Virginia during the Peninsular Campaign; he also commanded at Seven Pines, after General Joe Johnstron was wounded. John Bell Hood (1831-1879) was commissioned Major General (Oct10, 1861). He served as a division commander under General Longstreet, distinguished himself at Sharpsburg and Fredericksburg; he was wounded in the arm at Gettysburg, and lost a leg at Chicamauga.
Estimated Value $1,200 - 1,500.
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| Realized $4,080 |
