ALS signed “Jeffer. Davis,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 7.75 x 9.75, January 22, 1861. Letter to Reverend John W. French, Chaplain and History Professor at West Point. In part: “My recollection concurs with yours that the Assistant to the Chaplain was to be selected by the Professor—that is the Chaplain. The reason was obvious & I thought the Commission agreed that nothing but conflict could be anticipated from any other mode of selection. I spoke to Capt. Humphreys on the subject and recollected the conversation as I did, & I had hoped that the word ‘President’ was a typographical error. It appears however that it was not, & I am unable to furnish any explanation, the more so because everything was unanimously adopted, a resort to that vicious practise of compromise…I do not think it very probable that anything will be done this session & I have withdrawn from the Senate because of the secession of Miss.i so that the little power I once possessed is no longer available for the service of my friends…We leave tomorrow morning…Under all circumstances whatever they may be I shall always remember you gratefully and remain Very affectionately Your friend.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature.
On January 21, 1861, just twelve days after Mississippi declared its secession, Jefferson Davis delivered his farewell speech to the Senate and followed his state in leaving the Union. Having always considered himself a faithful American—a West Point graduate, a Mexican War vet, the son of a Revolutionary War soldier—Davis nonetheless placed his loyalty with his state, sacrificing the life and career he knew to defend the rights that he held as cornerstones of freedom. While discussion of Davis is typically focused on what he became a part of, this letter highlights what he left behind, giving a personal voice to the difficult decision. Offering his final input on an administrative matter at the Military Academy (he had been serving as president of a Commission ‘to examine into the Organization, System of Discipline, and Course of Instruction’ since June 21, 1860), Davis sincerely says goodbye to Reverend French, ending a well-forged relationship to lead the Confederacy. A remarkable letter, written just weeks before he would be elected as the first Confederate president. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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