Description:

Joseph E. Johnston
Washington, DC, February 10, 1891
J. E. Johnston ALS Enclosing a "poor little photograph" of Himself in Uniform
ALS

An autographed letter and portrait CDV both signed by former Confederate general Joseph E. Johnston as "J. E. Johnston". 1p (front and back), 4.5" x 7", Washington, D.C., February 10, 1891. The letter, sent a little over one month before his death that March, responds to a request for his signature by enclosing a signed carte de visite. Mounted to a light green card bearing the backstamp of Savannah-based photographer David J. Ryan, produced ca. 1870s. Image shows areas of dampstaining and handling marks to mount. Scattered paper loss with remnants of prior mounting residue on verso. Offset toning near center of letter. Overall, very good.

Johnston's letter reads in full:

"In consequence of the mistake in the address of your note of the 19th of January it reached me only in the 7th inst.
Being unable to find any article such as your describe, I send the enclosed poor little photograph taken twelve or fifteen years ago, hoping that it may serve your purpose. The very kind and friendly feelings you express gratify me very much."

Joseph Eggleston Johnston (1807-1891) was an American military officer and politician who served in the U.S. Army during both the Mexican-American and the Seminole Wars. Following Virginia's secession from the Union States in 1861, he entered the Confederate Army as one of its most senior general officers. After the war, Johnston served as an executive in the railroad and insurance industries, and was later elected to the House of Representatives as a Democrat in 1879. His former Union adversaries, mainly Ulysses S. Grant and William T. Sherman, praised Johnston's actions after the war and notably became friends.

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: 4.5" x 7"
  • Medium: ALS

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