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Jefferson Davis Letter Signed.. ...
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$2,187.50
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Description
Jefferson Davis Letter Signed.One page, 8 1/4 x 10 inches, Richmond; June 14, 1862. A letter from Davis to Colonel W. P. Johnston, in which Davis requests that Johnston compile a report on the wellbeing of the troops in General Beauregard's army shortly after his retreat to Tupelo, Mississippi. Just three days later, Davis would relieve Beauregard of his command, replacing him with General Braxton Bragg. The letter has been laminated with archival tissue. It reads, in full:
"You are hereby directed as soon as practicable after your arrival at the Head Quarters of the army commanded by General Beauregard to inspect the troops, to make due enquiry into their organization, their supplies of quarter master, commissary and ordnance stor[...] camp equipage, messing, general [ad]ministration including the regularity of a[...] issues and the condition of the troops especially, as to their comfort and the measures taken to preserve their health on all of which points you will prepare a report for my information." Signed, "Jefferson Davis."
Davis's distrust of Beauregard's leadership is apparent even in this brief order; their relationship had always been characterized by mutual dislike, but tensions deepened after General Albert Sidney Johnston was killed at Shiloh on April 6, 1862, leaving Beauregard to take over his command. Beauregard's controversial decisions during that battle were blamed for the Union victory, further damaging his standing with Davis. The situation worsened a month later when Beauregard, facing mass illness in his ranks from contaminated water, ordered a retreat from Corinth and left on medical leave without Davis's permission. Seizing the moment, Davis relieved him of his command and reassigned him to coastal defenses in Charleston. When Beauregard petitioned to be reinstated as a commander of the field armies, Davis steadfastly refused.
Condition: Laminated on both sides with archival tissue. Somewhat toned with flattened folds and light, scattered staining. Several instances of loss at the edges and center, affecting a few words. Pencil annotation in top margin on recto; docketed on verso.
Auction Info
2025 December 8 Arms & Armor, Civil War & Militaria Signature® Auction #6325 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
December, 2025
8th
Monday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 23
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 275
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