Jefferson Davis
n.p., November 15, 1851
Jefferson Davis ALS Settling "Mileage Account" and an Unpaid Bill
ALS

An autograph letter signed by future president of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis, just eleven days after losing the election for Governor of Mississippi. 1p, measuring 7.75" x 9.75", n.p., dated November 15, 1851. Signed "Jeffn Davis" and addressed to an unknown recipient. Davis writes about the payment of a bill and his "mileage account". With flattened mail folds. Toning and soiling along the edges. Slightly uneven edges. Overall very good. Accompanied by a COA from Gallery of History.

In full:
"I have just received your kind letter of the 27th ult. which was sent to my residence during my absence. The contingency which you mention in relation to the mileage account will induce me to provide for the payment of the bill drawn in favor of Corcoran & Riggs. I will direct my factor in New Orleans to send you a draft which I hope will reach you before the date at which the above mentioned bill falls due. And this will enable me to act freely hereafter on the matter of the mileage account as may seem advisable when further advised by you. Accept my thanks for your obliging attention and very gratifying expressions of friendly remembrance. Mrs. Davis joins me in assurances of regard and good wishes to your family and self."

The "mileage" to which Davis refers to is likely the compensation which U.S. Senators were granted when traveling to and from Washington, D.C. Davis had resigned his seat in Congress on September 23, 1851, in order to run for Governor of Mississippi. He campaigned against his former colleague and Union Whig, Henry S. Foote. Davis ran on a platform of Southern rights and the expansion of slavery. He ultimately lost the election by a very close margin and retired back to his plantation. Sixteen months after his failed campaign, he was appointed Secretary of War by President Franklin Pierce.

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

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7.75" x 9.75"
Provenance: COA from Gallery of History, No. 27647, January 2, 2023.