(1808 – 1883) U.S. Representative from Mississippi and Confederate major general of Mississippi state troops, taking part as a private in the battles of Fort Donelson, Iuka, and Corinth. Gholson was severely wounded in the December 1864 Battle of Egypt Station and lost his right arm. A.L.S. as U.S. Representative, 1p. 4to, Washington, D.C., Sep. 17, 1837, to an unnamed correspondent in the U.S. Navy. In part: ‘Enclosed you have a letter from Mr. Bonchill of Mississippi by which he informs me that he is an applicant for the office of assistant Surgeon in the Navy. I wish you to have the goodness to inform me what testimonials you require to be furnished by applicants as I have no doubt Mr. Bonchill can comply with the requirements of the Department from my knowledge of his family I have no hesitation in saying that he is a young gentleman of merit…’ He signs ‘S. J. Gholson’ at the conclusion in black ink. Shows faint folds, faintly toned at the edges, inlaid and disbound from a volume, otherwise in very good condition.