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126 History of Great Rebellion Lincoln Davis Quantrill

This copy of "The History of the Great Rebellion" , published in 1865, was among the artifacts discovered with the trunk at the farm in Stamping Grounds, Kentucky. This book, according to an inscription, was originally owned by Varina Anne "Winnie" Davis, daughter of Jefferson Davis. The book contains a photo of her and an inscription to "My Beloved Winnie".

Also in this book, a piece of gun powder and blood stained material were placed, with a cut out quote. It reads: "Oh woman, woman thou wert made to cheer lifes dark and dreary shade."

The book also contains in the back section, a letter stated to be from Abraham Lincoln to Jefferson Davis dated only six days prior to the Civil War, on April 6, 1861.

It reads: Lincoln April 6,1861 His Excellency, Jefferson Davis, Dear Sir, The future of this great nation relys on our unity and our faith in God. If this should be our final hour of sanity let not this task remaining before us dishonor our remembrance. A. Lincoln

The note was found in the book which had been undisturbed for over 100 years. History records that Lincoln was such a man, one of reason and compassion for his fellow countrymen. The letter itself exhibits its own provenance extending from Abraham Lincoln, one of America's most beloved Presidents, to Jefferson Davis, who represented the Confederacy and the last vestiges of the Old South, to Winnie Davis, The Daughter of the Confederacy, to Quantrill's Guerillas, one of the most notorious rebel units of the Civil War, and finally endingup with Frank James, one of America's most notorious outlaws. Some experts when questioned as to their opinion, stated that Lincoln would have never given the title "His Excellency" to Davis, as it would imply respect of position. Therefore, the letter has not been further processed and is being sold in its original state and location within the book.

An inscription is also written in the back where the book was given to Frank James at the Anniversary gathering of Quantrill's Guerillas. It reads: This book given to Frank James in honor of this 8th Anniversary of the Quantrill Guerillas. Aug. 26, 1905 Independence, Missouri

Condition: The binding is primarily secure. Covers are loose, but still attached, and are rough on all edges. The spine cover is torn at the base on both sides.

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