Lot 173
Davis, Jefferson - Autograph Letter Signed (1808-89) President of the Confederate States of America (1861-65). Autograph letter signed "Jefferson Davis", one page, ruled paper, 8 x 5", Beauvoir, Mississippi, Feb. 9, 1880. To Reverend Jesse L. Gilbert, "I did accidentally delay, but did not neglect your complimentary regards. I remember to have you an autograph on a blank card and with it your card endorsed by me, so as to connect my name with yours, if you should choose to keep that card in your private collection. For better security I now send another, and am with fraternal regard yours…" Written in purple ink. Affixed to a slightly larger piece of card stock; glue remnants visible at lower edge. Another hand noted "President of the Confederacy" in lower right corner. Light toning and minor soiling do not affect text legibility or the bold signature.
After his capture, Davis was accused of treason and imprisoned in Fort Monroe for two years. He was never tried, probably from fear of making him a martyr and also to allow the nation to heal, and he was released after two years. In 1878, a wealthy widow willed Beauvois, her estate in Biloxi, Mississippi, to Davis and he lived there until his death in 1889. With COA. Estimate Value $1,500 - 2,000
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