Description:

Jefferson Davis
Washington, DC, May 27, 1848
Jefferson Davis To Vet of the Mex War On Pension for Battle Buena Vista Wounds Where Davis was Also Wounded
ALS

Jefferson Davis (1808-1809). Autograph Letter Signed to Frederick A. Wolfe. Two pages on single sheet, 7.9" x 10"; Washington; May 27, 1848. While serving as a newly appointed U.S. Senator from Mississippi, Davis writes to Frederick A. Wolfe addressing him as, "My dear friend." Jefferson had recently taken his seat in the Senate in 1848 after recovering from wounds at the Battle of Buena Vista, where he fought under Zachary Taylor. He advises Wolfe about how to obtain his pension for wounds suffered and signs, "Jeffer Davis." Bold ink on lightly toned paper. With flattened folds and partial separations which have been reinforced with archival tape. Minor spots of ink burn affecting a few words but reinforced, preventing further loss. An excellent association illustrating Davis's revered status as a hero of the Mexican War that helped launch his political career!

The letter reads in part: "The Commissioner of pensions as you will perceive by his enclosed letter [not present] has allowed your claim to bounty land and forwarded the certificate. He also replies to my inquiry as to whether any additional evidence was required to have your name placed on the pension rolls. If you have the certificates of the Capt. and regimental surgeon, the first setting forth the time, place, and manner of your wound, the second the amount of disability, they will furnish the evidence required, if not the printed sheet enclosed will point out the course to pursue in order to obtain for you the allowance provided by law for such cases as yours."

Wolfe was a private in Company A (William T. Morgan's Company) of the 1st Illinois Volunteers, which was raised in Alton, Illinois in June 1846. The Company fought in only one battle during the Mexican War at Buena Vista (February 22-23, 1847) alongside Zachary Taylor's forces. It was likely during this battle that he was wounded and met Jefferson Davis. Davis led the 1st Mississippi Rifles with distinction at that same Battle. Though struck in the foot by a musket ball, Davis refused to leave the field, held his regiment firm under heavy assault, and executed a bold maneuver that helped repulse a superior Mexican force—an act widely praised as proof of his courage and leadership.

His heroism and ensuing fame helped launch his political career: on his return he was appointed to the U.S. Senate (Dec. 1847), then became Secretary of War under Franklin Pierce (1853–1857), and later returned to the Senate. By 1861, Southerners remembered him both as a proven soldier and as a seasoned statesman. When the Confederate government needed a president, Davis's blend of military heroics and political experience made him the logical choice.

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: 7.9" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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