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 eight page Autograph Letter Signed “V. Davis,” 4p, 5” x 7.75”, front & verso of two conjoined sheets. [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…”



WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!
Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. ***PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR SHIPMENT TO BE SENT TO AN ADDRESS OTHER THAN THE ONE YOU HAVE ON FILE WITH INVALUABLE, YOU WILL NEED TO INFORM US OF THIS AS SOON AS PAYMENT IS SUBMITTED FOR YOUR WINNINGS. ALSO, ALL PACKAGES SHIPPED FROM OUR OFFICES REQUIRE A DIRECT SIGNATURE UPON DELIVERY.*** Shipping and handling costs are competitive as we maintain discounted contracts with FedEx. If you have any questions, contact University Archives prior to bidding. After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item. We currently ship via FedEx but if your purchase is shipping to a P.O. Box, we ship via USPS. All items are insured. We ship from our offices in Westport, CT. We may opt to use a third party shipper for very fragile, bulky or oversized items. Items requiring third party shipping will be denoted in the item description. Packages shipped internationally will have full value declared on shipping form. International buyers will be responsible for any customs fees incurred.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Westport, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

December 5, 2018 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000