Description:

Jefferson Davis
Memphis, TN, July 27, 1875
Jefferson Davis ALS to London Friend & Wife of Blockade Runner
ALS

A lengthy autograph letter signed by ex-Confederate President Jefferson Davis to one of his English acquaintances. 5pp, measuring 5" x 8", Memphis, dated July 27, 1875. Signed "Jefferson Davis" and "D" [postscript], as well as twice within the body of the letter as "Mrs. Davis." We believe the letter is addressed to Mrs. Rosalie (Higginbotham) Campbell, the wife of Scottish blockade runner, George Campbell. Davis reminisces on his fond memories with the Campbell family and expresses his wish to see them again, whether in the United States or in London. With flattened mail folds, light toning, and foxing. Soiling to the fourth page at the folds, as well as to the verso of the fifth page. Boldly signed. Accompanied by a biographical sketch of Davis.

Highlights from the letter:
"My memory very often carried me back to the happy days I passed under your hospitable roof, and the pleasant association with your true hearted husband, and interesting children. Fondly cherished are the recollections of our drives, our evening talks, and now that you are coming nearer to us the desire to see you is redoubled. I do not know that it will be in my power to go to the East this summer, but I pray some chance may bring us together. I am very anxious to see the 'little stranger', of whose advent I had not before been informed…Please tell me more about the little stranger, the name, the appearance, and all which a sincere friend would wish to know, and a young mother be pleased to tell…"

"Mrs. Davis was gratified by receiving news of you, and of the children, who she has always regarded with tenderest affection, to Plummer she gives Benjamin's portion. Please give my love to Allie & Willie, with my earnest hope of seeing them while in America…This will be send to New York to await your arrival, and I hope to be the first to hail your return to your native land…I hope the financial troubles in London will not interfere with Mr. Campbell's movements, and that he may soon be with you…Should fortune cause me again to cross the Atlantic, one of the greatest pleasures to be anticipated would be to see you in the attractive home you describe, and to which you are so good as to wish you could have invited me when I was in England…[PS] Excuse my addressing the envelope to your maiden name, it is rare & thus gives security. D."

George Campbell (1834-1917) was a Scottish native and merchant who worked as a blockade runner during the American Civil War. He and his schooner, the Jane Campbell, were eventually seized by the U.S. Army, but because he was not an American citizen, he was not tried for treason and the ship was returned to him. From the 1870s and into the 1900s, after an abrupt end to his shipping enterprise, George Campbell tried to recoup his losses by redirecting his energy and resources to the tanning industry with attempts in Burkeville, Virginia; Charles Town, West Virginia; and, finally, in Harrison, New Jersey, near East Orange. He also, for a brief time, collaborated with his friend, Thomas Edison. After the death of his first wife, he married Rosalie Higginbotham in 1873 in New York City. The couple purchased an estate near London in Dulwich, Surrey and, in June 1876, hosted Jefferson and Varina Davis, for the last time.

One of the couple's daughters was Jane Maud Campbell (1869-1947) a librarian known for being an early advocate for multiculturalism in libraries through her service to immigrant and minority populations. Campbell believed in cultural pluralism - that there was no one "American culture" - so while she supported immigrants' learning English and eventually becoming citizens, she was supportive of them maintaining their own cultures and interests. During the First World War, she worked at Camp Devens, planning and implementing programs for non-English-speaking soldiers, and organizing a hospital library for convalescing soldiers. She was one of the first presidents of the Virginia Library Association, which was formed in the late 1920s. Campbell helped establish branch libraries for Black readers and worked to establish equitable service to Black citizens, sending trucks of books to the local public schools including the segregated African American high school. After her death, her papers were acquired and are currently held by Harvard University.

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: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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