Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Lot #316
Jefferson Davis Civil War-Dated Letter Signed to the Confederate States Congress, Making Appropriations for War

As president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis requests an appropriation of funds "for Engineering purposes"

Estimate: $3000+

The 30 Minute Rule begins April 15 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By April 15 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT

Server Time: 4/10/2026 02:15:21 PM EDT
Sell a Similar Item?
Refer Collections and Get Paid

Description

As president of the Confederate States of America, Jefferson Davis requests an appropriation of funds "for Engineering purposes"

LS signed “Jefferson Davis,” one page, 7.75 x 10, September 23, 1862. Letter to "the Senate and House of Representatives" at Richmond, in full: "I herewith transmit for your consideration a communication from the Secretary of War, covering an estimate 'to supply the deficiencies in the Engineering appropriations for Engineering purposes.' I recommend an appropriation of the amount, and for the purposes specified." In very good to fine condition, with a torn file hole to the upper left corner, and toning from prior display.

On October 9th, the Confederate Congress approved an appropriation of $800,000 to 'supply the deficiencies in the Engineer appropriations for engineering purposes.' The Confederate Corps of Engineers played a critical role in the Civil War by designing and constructing fortifications, bridges, roads, and defensive earthworks essential to Southern military strategy. Despite limited resources, they built formidable defenses such as those at Vicksburg, Richmond, and Petersburg, often using local terrain to their advantage. Their efforts greatly prolonged Confederate resistance, especially in siege warfare, and helped offset the Union’s superior manpower and industrial capacity.

Auction Info






This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.