(1813-1867) Governor of Mississippi from 1859 to 1863, a strong supporter of secession to defend the ‘superiority and supremacy of the white race’. Forced to flee to Alabama by the Union capture of Jackson in 1863. Interesting war-date manuscript L.S., 1p. 4to., Jackson, Sep. 5, 1861, to a Col. W. H. Brown, Adjutant and Inspector General. In full: ‘In consequence of Capt. J D Howard of the Biloxi Rifles, absenting himself from his Command and from the State without leave of absence or Furlough, his office as Captain of the Biloxi Rifles is hereby declared vacated. You will order an election to be held in said Company forthwith, to fill said vacancy and all other vacancies incident upon said election.’ Pettus signs at the conclusion in black ink as Commander in Chief of the Army of Mississippi. Evenly toned overall, with original mailing folds, otherwise in very good to fine condition.