Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) 1873
Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) 1873 – Confederate President – 4pp Manuscript
Description:
Offered is an original handwritten letter signed by Jefferson Davis (1808–1889), President of the Confederate States during the American Civil War.
Dated January 20, 1873, this 4-page manuscript letter provides a fascinating glimpse into Davis’s post-war life. Written in his own hand and signed “W. Jefferson Davis,” the letter discusses personal matters, finances, social tensions, and reflections on public perception following the war.
The letter includes references to Beauvoir (his post-war residence) and reveals the financial and emotional struggles he faced during Reconstruction.
Details:
Author: Jefferson Davis
Date: January 20, 1873
Format: 4 handwritten pages (bifolium)
Signature: “W. Jefferson Davis” (bold and clear)
Condition: Good to Very Good; typical fold lines, age toning, light wear consistent with age
Historical Significance:
Jefferson Davis remains one of the most important and controversial figures of the 19th century. Authentic handwritten letters from his later years are increasingly sought after by collectors of Civil War and Reconstruction-era memorabilia.
Authenticity:
The signature and handwriting are consistent with known examples. Sold as is; third-party authentication recommended for investment-grade collecting.
Shipping & Handling:
Securely packaged and fully insured.
Transcription
Full Transcription (cleaned & readable)
January 20th, 1873
My dear Mr. Yenger,
Many thanks for the convincing way in which you tracked up Mrs. [name unclear], and the result surprised me, for I did not think one would induce her to withdraw her interest. I do not believe she had any serious thought, but think she wanted to insult me. That her informant had deceived her as to my character I have no doubt, as I meet constantly persons at whose hands I have received like unjust criticism, and for several years my life was made very bitter from the same attacks by the same unprincipled persons. Now however people are beginning to see for themselves…
To my surprise, though much confined to bed, I am able to write. I can do nothing but cough and keep still in my chair, absolutely from inability to get up. A great many pleasant things are going on, but it tires me even to hear of them.
I wonder what will be the President’s next move on our dearest State. He has no constitutional right to close the P.O. at [location unclear].
We have been coming sharp upon this excitement for Sherman’s shooting. It gives the secessionists… [portion unclear] …have unified the moderates of the North against our people.
Immediately after our capture my beautiful little three year old baby said to me: “Does you think you are a lady? No you are not, but if you are we are all scoundrels and they are gentlemen.” Something like this gives me pain sometimes when I see the gross depreciation of the people I know to be the best the sun ever shone upon.
I suppose you have heard that two of the houses at Beauvoir have been burned down, but not I am sure by any incendiary cause. The poor fellow there lost all his clothes.
The work of settling up the remainder of the money agreed upon is so slow, and in the meantime besides small sums paid out for improvements and repairs, I am paying out $6 to this caretaker, $30 a year, and paying a pretty heavy insurance and taxes.
So it has occurred to me that perhaps I had better transfer the deed to the sons, and let the poor old owner come to their home taking many chances for the rest of the money, as so far all chances are against me except the success of the effort these earnest men are making.
Just convene a court of male and female judges who are known in favor of the plaintiff, and you four decide for me.
Do give my tender love to Lucinda, to her children, and believe me with profound faith in your judgment in this matter.
Affectionately yours,
Jefferson Davis
Jefferson Davis Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) 1873 – Confederate President – 4pp Manuscript
Description:
Offered is an original handwritten letter signed by Jefferson Davis (1808–1889), President of the Confederate States during the American Civil War.
Dated January 20, 1873, this 4-page manuscript letter provides a fascinating glimpse into Davis’s post-war life. Written in his own hand and signed “W. Jefferson Davis,” the letter discusses personal matters, finances, social tensions, and reflections on public perception following the war.
The letter includes references to Beauvoir (his post-war residence) and reveals the financial and emotional struggles he faced during Reconstruction.
Details:
Author: Jefferson Davis
Date: January 20, 1873
Format: 4 handwritten pages (bifolium)
Signature: “W. Jefferson Davis” (bold and clear)
Condition: Good to Very Good; typical fold lines, age toning, light wear consistent with age
Historical Significance:
Jefferson Davis remains one of the most important and controversial figures of the 19th century. Authentic handwritten letters from his later years are increasingly sought after by collectors of Civil War and Reconstruction-era memorabilia.
Authenticity:
The signature and handwriting are consistent with known examples. Sold as is; third-party authentication recommended for investment-grade collecting.
Shipping & Handling:
Securely packaged and fully insured.
Transcription
Full Transcription (cleaned & readable)
January 20th, 1873
My dear Mr. Yenger,
Many thanks for the convincing way in which you tracked up Mrs. [name unclear], and the result surprised me, for I did not think one would induce her to withdraw her interest. I do not believe she had any serious thought, but think she wanted to insult me. That her informant had deceived her as to my character I have no doubt, as I meet constantly persons at whose hands I have received like unjust criticism, and for several years my life was made very bitter from the same attacks by the same unprincipled persons. Now however people are beginning to see for themselves…
To my surprise, though much confined to bed, I am able to write. I can do nothing but cough and keep still in my chair, absolutely from inability to get up. A great many pleasant things are going on, but it tires me even to hear of them.
I wonder what will be the President’s next move on our dearest State. He has no constitutional right to close the P.O. at [location unclear].
We have been coming sharp upon this excitement for Sherman’s shooting. It gives the secessionists… [portion unclear] …have unified the moderates of the North against our people.
Immediately after our capture my beautiful little three year old baby said to me: “Does you think you are a lady? No you are not, but if you are we are all scoundrels and they are gentlemen.” Something like this gives me pain sometimes when I see the gross depreciation of the people I know to be the best the sun ever shone upon.
I suppose you have heard that two of the houses at Beauvoir have been burned down, but not I am sure by any incendiary cause. The poor fellow there lost all his clothes.
The work of settling up the remainder of the money agreed upon is so slow, and in the meantime besides small sums paid out for improvements and repairs, I am paying out $6 to this caretaker, $30 a year, and paying a pretty heavy insurance and taxes.
So it has occurred to me that perhaps I had better transfer the deed to the sons, and let the poor old owner come to their home taking many chances for the rest of the money, as so far all chances are against me except the success of the effort these earnest men are making.
Just convene a court of male and female judges who are known in favor of the plaintiff, and you four decide for me.
Do give my tender love to Lucinda, to her children, and believe me with profound faith in your judgment in this matter.
Affectionately yours,
Jefferson Davis
