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Joseph E. Johnston (4) Autograph Letters Signed. ...
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Description
Joseph E. Johnston (4) Autograph Letters Signed. Four letters addressed to his literary agent, Mr. Banks, and measuring 5 x 8 inches, of which three are dated May 16, 1869, October 9, 1871, and July 23, 1881. Johnston writes the first two letters from Savannah and the third from Warm Springs, Virginia. All three are signed, "J.E. Johnston." The fourth is dated "Sunday Morning" and is signed, "J.E.J." Johnston writes sending updates on recent events and discussing his memoir along with those of his peers. At the time of these letters, Johnston was operating out of Savannah as the owner of his insurance agency, Joseph E. Johnston & Company. His memoir, Narrative of Military Operations, was published in 1874.In the letter dated May 16, 1869, Johnston discusses his motivations for his memoir, writing, "I have had, ever since the war, ambition to correct my name with some enterprise for the benefit of the country, or an important portion of it." After Johnston learned of Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House, he agreed to meet with General William T. Sherman to discuss terms of surrender. Because Johnston did so without being defeated in battle first, Jefferson Davis condemned Johnston's decision as an act of treason.
In his July 23, 1881 letter, Johnston complains about content written in Jefferson Davis' memoir, The Rise and Fall of the Confederate Government. He writes, "I wish very much that I had adopted your suggestion and gone to old point instead of coming here. I think that there would have been some fun in our reading Davis' book together with comments. He slanders me abominably even for him. Even attacking my veracity in accounting for my removal from Comd of the A.J. In that connection - Do you remember writing to me from Montgomery in 1864, That Bragg got up a meeting there by telegraph from Atlanta, to take measures to secure the approval by the southern people of my removal not yet executed? If so, have you any objection to writing it as briefly as possible? And further after Davis's visit to Hood's army in Sept 1864, was it not in Montgomery that he made the speech confessing that providence had qualified him especially to command great armies and foreshadowing Hood's Nashville expedition? This single term in the H. or R. has been disastrous to me, in the way of health. I have not been well since the latter part of the fall session."
Condition: All letters creased along folds and toned. Staining to May 16, 1869 letter and pencil notations to July 23, 1881 letter.
Provenance: From the Private Collection of a Mississippi Gentleman.
Auction Info
2024 April 5 Historical Manuscripts Signature® Auction #6285 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
April, 2024
5th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 2
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