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Jefferson Davis: “…with a Black Republican house, I can have but little influence”, to the USMA Chaplain in 1856
Jefferson Davis: “…with a Black Republican house, I can have but little influence”, to the USMA Chaplain in 1856
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Jefferson Davis
Washington, D.C., December 15, 1856
Jefferson Davis: "…with a Black Republican house, I can have but little influence", to the USMA Chaplain in 1856
ALS
Fine content autograph letter signed "Jefferson Davis", four pages, 7.75" x 10", Washington, December 15, 1856. To Rev. John W. French, former Chaplain of the House of Representatives and current Chaplain at the United States Military Academy, West Point. Two file holes at left edge, two fold tears at top margin, otherwise boldly penned and very good condition.

Davis, USMA class of 1828, writes to his friend, in part: "…I have thought much of the embarrassments and difficulties which surround you, and could I hope to impress others as you impress me it would be more easy to suggest a remedy. Your knowledge of mankind will prepare you for the opposition to which all things are subject which are both grand and new. In order then the first thing to be secured is the coaction of the Superintendent of the Military Academy. If then the Chief of Engineers should, as I hope he would, concur, the matter would come in its court dress to be presented to Congress. The estimates for the ensuing year have been made. If an additional item were asked by the Superintendent, the chances to get it inserted in the bill would be much greater than if the proposition originated in the War Department. The Superintendent's estimate for the library was one thousand dollars. I directed the Chief Engineer to increase the item to fifteen hundred, and to explain to the Superintendent that the five hundred added was for the supply of books particularly required by your department. If now the Superintendent, made aware of the necessities which you so clearly demonstrate, will ask for a sum sufficient to provide the blank books, stationery, and copying necessary for the development of the new course of ethics, and belles letters I will endeavor to obtain the money, but I need hardly say to you that with a Black Republican house, I can have but little influence. Fanaticism, and ignorance, when combined are but little impressible by truth and reason. It may be that during the winter season intelligent soldiers of the Engineer Company might (by giving them additional pay) answer a good purpose as copyists. Maj. [Eugene] Delafield is so quick in his perceptions, and so fearless, and zealous in everything he undertakes that I doubt not you will find in him an able advisor, and so far as he concurs with you a most effective assistant in the execution of your plans for the perfection of your department. I now have to utter a hard sentence to you, it is not to be hoped or expected that the means furnished will keep pace with your zealous activity in bringing out the large mass of material you have collected, and I therefore anticipate delays which must disappoint you, and [which] would discourage one less earnest, and self-reliant. In whatever position I may be you will find me ready to aid you to the extent of my ability, and I look forward with entire confidence to your final success…".

In 1854 and two years before this letter, Davis has assisted in the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act. The acted intended to open new lands and facilitate the construction of a transnational railway; however it also had the unintended consequence of effectively repealing the Missouri Compromise of 1820, which outlawed slavery in the territory north (except for Missouri). Naturally, tensions over slavery through the ratification of the Act and the rising ideological conflicts over the legality of slavery would tip over into violent armed conflicts known as "Bleeding Kansas." The intensifying division between pro-slavery and anti-slavery forces spelled the demise of the ailing Whig Party and the concomitant ascendency of the anti-slavery Republican Party in 1854. No doubt Davis' use of the tern "Black Republican Congress" refers exactly to this transferal of power, undesirable for him for its significant threat to the vaunted Southern way of life.

Davis' relationship with John W. French was long-term and close, shown in a series of letters in 1856, some of which we have previously sold. His devotion to French was absolutely intractable. However, Davis was simultaneously keenly and unhappily aware of his dwindling role as Secretary of War. In this fine letter, he devises a clever "go-around" to fund the library through Congress instead of through the War Department, then employing Engineers as the scribes needed for the development of new courses. By doing so, both Davis and French could avoid the pitfalls of the mounting political divisions. The new library was one of a larger series of modernizations made to the school in the 1850s, and became important outside of the school as well as the depository of Senate documents (1856).

Rev. John W. French (1808-1871) served as Chaplain of the House of Representatives in 1841, the first Episcopalian to hold that post. He was the founding priest of the Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C., serving from 1842 until 1856. On August 14, 1856, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, West Point Class of 1828, wrote to President Franklin Pierce, "I have the honor to propose for you approbation the name of the Rev'd John W. French, of the District of Columbia, for the appointment of chaplain and professor of geography, history and ethics at the Military Academy at West Point." That same day, the President sent to the Senate his nomination for French's appointment "as proposed in the accompanying communication from the Secretary of War." On August 16, 1856, it was "Resolved, That the Senate advise and consent to the appointment." Davis and French had become friends in Washington and became friends for life. This friendship caused some to question French's loyalty at the outbreak of the Civil War. French served at West Point until his death in 1871.

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: 7.75" x 10"
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