Description:

Davis Varina

Varina Davis Autographed Letters Signed - “The Kansas and Utah question seems to fill everybody’s mind … I see no one who does not seem to feel anxious about our territorial affairs … "

Comprises two ALSs to West Point Chaplain and Professor John W. French. Jefferson Davis served as President Franklin Pierce’s only Secretary of War until he was sworn in as Mississippi’s new U.S. Senator on March 4, 1857, the day President James Buchanan was inaugurated. John W. French (1808-1871) was Chaplain of the House of Representatives from 1841 until 1856 when he was appointed Chaplain and Professor of Geography, History, and Ethics at the Military Academy at West Point by President Franklin Pierce. He was notified of his appointment by Pierce’s Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis. French served at West Point until his death in 1871.

(1) Concluding four pages of at least an 8pp autograph letter signed “V. Davis”, 4p, 5” x 7.75”, front and verso of folded leaf. [Washington, 1857]. Fine condition.

In part:

“The Kansas and Utah question seems to fill everybody’s mind, excepting those who desire to serve their country in the new Regiment and those who assert they have served an ungrateful country on the high seas. I see no one who does not seem to feel anxious about our territorial affairs – and whenever the conversations arise, Mr. Davis takes pains to assure the speaker be he who he may, that the Dreadful Doctrine of Squatter Sovereignty had shaded and protected the ignorant … free State emigrant aid societies feebly controlled by U.S. dragons … The Cabinet?!! Of that we had attained the perfection which would make goodness the only requisite … My successor Mrs. Floyd [John Floyd succeeded Davis as Secretary of War] is a lovely old Virginia lady, gentle in blood and manner – Mrs. Cobb [Georgian Howell Cobb, Buchanan’s Secretary of the Treasury] is an old and valued friend … My children are lovely this winter. Jeffie [son Jefferson Davis Jr. was born January 16, 1857] is large and fleshy, but like his Father. Maggie [daughter Margaret born February 25, 1855] is very willful but pretty, and bright – but my boy is my darling…”

(2) Autograph letter signed “Varina Davis”, 1p, 5.25” x 8”. [Washington], n.d. Recipient not named. Fine condition.

In part:

“If it were possible to make your agency clearer in bringing me nearer to God, you will be so remembered, and it is a great happiness to me to know that the person I most revere on earth has given to me these precious volumes to insure our continued friendship in Heaven…”

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

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