Mexican–American war-dated ALS signed “Jeffer Davis,” one page both sides, 4.75 x 7, March 25, 1847. Letter to General Wool. In full: “I have just read with great pleasure the copy of your letter to genl. Gibson, which you did me the honor to send me this evening. It shall be preserved for the use permitted & be assured under circumstances requiring that it will give me great satisfaction thus to apply it. In these times of petty jealousy and ignoble strife for public approbation it is quite refreshing to see one so prominent in the scenes you describe forgetting himself to sustain and commend his commander.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in another hand. Intersecting folds, some mild toning, pencil notation to top edge, and ink notations to front of second page, otherwise fine condition. Accompanied by a clerical copy of the letter.
One month after serving alongside Major General Zachary Taylor in the US victory over Santa Anna at the Battle of Buena Vista, General John E. Wool expressed his admiration for the future president in a laudatory letter to Jefferson Davis. Leading his Mississippi Rifles at the battle, Davis also witnessed Taylor’s leadership firsthand; he shared Wool’s great respect for the actions that would win Taylor the presidency two years later. Applauding his character in a time of “petty jealousy and ignoble strife for public approbation,” Davis makes note of Wool’s gesture, saving the judgment for future decisions. The two men remained connected as their careers grew, with Davis taking his command as US Secretary of War in 1853 and Wool fronting the Department of the Pacific a year later, though they would eventually find themselves on opposing sides of the battlefield at the outbreak of the Civil War. A dignified letter from one military great to another. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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