Description:

Alexander Stephens
[Atlanta, GA], December 31, 1882
Alexander Stephens LS on "Executive Department" Letterhead 3 Months Before His Death
LS
A 1p letter signed by Alexander Stephens (1812-1883), then Governor of Georgia, as "Alexander H. Stephens" at lower right. December 31, 1882. [Atlanta, Georgia.] Secretarially inscribed on a leaf of watermarked laid blue-lined paper with a beautiful pictorial letterhead featuring the seal of Georgia at left and a "State of Georgia. Executive Department" title. Expected wear including uneven toning and scattered burn recto and verso. Flattened folds including one vertical one transecting the "der" of Stephens's signature. Isolated ink stains and a chipped upper left corner, else good to very good. 7.875" x 9.75."

Stephens's letter recipient was Adolph Brandt (1847-1889), a first generation American of German-Jewish ancestry. Later in the 1880s, Brandt would serve as a state representative from Richmond County, Georgia and become a named law partner in Atlanta.

In part:

"Your highly appreciated Xmas card was duly recd. Do accept my sincere thanks for this token of your kind regards.

I received a great number of similar cards during the week, from all parts of the United States, but be assured not one of them was more elegant or appropriate than the one you send. I think I am indebted to Mrs: Brandt the selection of this? am I not? Do present her my kindest regards + accept for both as well as my little namesake my best wishes for a Happy New Year, + many returns for the same as the Spaniards say…"

Sadly, Alexander H. Stephens would die in office a little less than three months later, on March 4, 1883. He had served as Vice President of the Confederate States of America (1861-1865) and as a longtime U.S. Congressman from Georgia.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 9.75"
  • Medium: LS

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October 30, 2024 10:00 AM EDT
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