DAVIS, Jefferson (1808-1889). Autograph letter signed ("Jeffn. Davis") as Confederate States President, to Gen. Louis T. Wigfall. "Executive Mansion," Richmond, VA, 11 October 1862.

4pp, 5 x 8 in. (light creasing at folds, toning, ink blot top right first page). Accompanied by original cover with "Confederate States of America, Executive Department, (Official Business.)" imprint, and addressed in Davis's hand to "Hon. L.T. Wigfall / C.S. Senate"

A substantive and fascinating letter from Jefferson Davis to the powerful Confederate States Senator the Hon. L.T. Wigfall of Texas (1816-1874), in which Davis tried to defend the conduct of his friend Confederate General Theophilus H. Holmes (1804-1880) from public criticism following the Battle of Malvern Hill which had been fought several months earlier (1 July 1862). Davis writes, in small part: "It has been suggested to me that you thought Holmes had failed in his duty at Malvern Hill, by being too slow in getting into position, and in that connection I wish to say to you that he was ordered up from his position on the south side of the James River to aid in the attack upon McClellan's army...." After discussing additional details of maneuvering, Davis concludes: "Genl. Holmes thus fulfilled all his orders....Genl. Lee reconnoitered the ground as far as he was able and I did the same thing in person whilst Genl. Holmes was in position and under heavy fire from the enemy's gunboats. Genl. Lee certainly attributed no shortcoming to Genl. Holmes and it never occurred to me that any blame was fairly to be attached to him...."

General T.H. Holmes, West Point class of 1829, was a friend of Jefferson Davis, class of 1828, and Robert E. Lee, class of 1829. Holmes is considered by many historians as an inept field officer, and his conduct at Malvern Hill showed lack of initiative if not cowardice. Though Davis asserts here that Lee attributed no shortcomings to Holmes, after the Seven Days' Battles General Robert E. Lee expressed displeasure at Holmes's mediocre performance.

[With:] Two Civil war-date patriotic covers, both featuring a caricatured illustration of Louis Wigfall on the body of a stereotypical Indian with a tomahawk in hand and the caption: "Wigfall on his promised descent on Washington." The Union cover was a barb at the provincial culture of Texas. One cover is a soldier's letter sent by Nathaniel E. Pierson, Chaplain of the 89th New York Infantry. -- Engraving of Jefferson Davis.

Property from the James Milgram, M.D., Collection of Ephemeral Americana and Historical Documents

This lot is located in Cincinnati.