(1824 - 1907) Confederate brigadier general of the 51st Alabama, he fought at Bull Run and Chickamauga, and harassed Sherman from Atlanta to Savannah. A virulent racist, he later served as Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan, and as U.S. Senator from Alabama, where he advocated for lynching and the repatriation of Black Americans to Africa, and helped lay the groundwork for the Jim Crow era. Lengthy, good content A.L.S. ‘Jno. T. Morgan’ on U.S. Senate letterhead, 3pp. 4to., Washington, D.C., Jan. 17, 1878, to an unnamed colonel, legible only with quite a bit of difficulty. In part: ‘...I am a man whom history tries with every device to destroy, I expect that history will have its way with me, but I have concluded that I will meet events as they arise & fight the good fight, Keeping the faith… It was the most painful embarrassment of my life, and I earnestly begged to be excused, but M Donald [?] felt that he was not being justly supported in the south. I told him that he should not be disappointed in us, that I would now and hereafter do any thing he… would demand of me. There is nothing in the speech, I tried to cover up… every idea that contained any danger – any depravity, & I believe I have succeeded, our friends in the south think I am all right, I know this thing will need explanation… I was never so dragooned into a position that I disbelieved, and apt it will appear (and I can comprehend to so be it appear, for decency’s sake), that I went heartily into this business. I took the liberty, however to tell the world that Alabama had cried out with bitterness or anguish while he held the sword suspended over her… I could see when the blows hit as I spoke.’ Morgan signs at the conclusion in black ink. Shows original mailing folds, with a small tear at the top edge, otherwise in fine condition overall. Worthy of further research!