Lot 312
Davis, Jefferson. War-date autograph letter signed ("Jeffn. Davis") as CSA President, 2½ pages, Richmond, March 13, 1862. To General H[umphrey] Marshall, who commanded the Army of Eastern Kentucky: "Immediately after the receipt of your private letter…I conferred with Genl. Lee, whose letter will probably reach you with this; and in it, you will find authority from the Governor to call out the militia in your district. For reasons which I need not explain to you, it is desirable to limit the application of marshal law to cases of absolute necessity….If you find it necessary, not only to have power over the people by calling out the militia, but also over the courts by proclamation of marshal law, inform me of the exact county over which you wish marshal law declared, and I will send you the requisite authority. Genl. E.K. Smith will probably have, in a short time, a strong force at Cumberland Gap; and if the enemy should not press him there, it may be in his power to cooperate with you in overthrowing the column at Pikesville. I concur fully in your view of the propriety of advancing into Ky., and only regret that I can not at once furnish you with the requisite force for the execution of your design. I know how fully your heart is in the cause in which we are embarked, and hope that day may not be distant when you will be possessed of the means to carry the 'States Rights' flag over the soil of your birth, and there vindicate the sovereignty of Ky. We are sorely pressed, just now, on every side; but the good and true men, who have engaged in the war, seem only with redoubled energy to bear up against increasing burden. What we may bear of sacrifice, how long we may be required to bear it, is problematical; but no one doubts, or seems to doubt, the final success of our holy cause…." Some overall soiling.
Together with an envelope free franked ("Jeffn. Davis U.S.S.") as a senator from Missisisippi, Jan. 1, 1852. In 1853, Davis would be appointed Secretary of War under Franklin Pierce and would build up the U.S. fighting forces which he would have to contend with as President of the CSA.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
Sotheby's, Sale 7240, lot 28.
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| Realized $5,280 |
