[ Autographs ] JUDAH P. BENJAMIN (1811 - 1884) Confederate Secretary of War and Secretary of State who became very unpopular for his convictions that Southern slaves should be armed to fight for the Confederacy, which of course eventually came to be. Fled to England atwar's end to avoid prosecution. A.D.S. "Benjamin Avocat" oblong 8vo., New Orleans, July 22, 1839, a legal suit for payment of debt, in French, in part: "...The petition of John Michel Jacqueline and Lawrence Allien both of New York, merchants doing business there underthe firm of Jacqueline & Allien humbly...that P. Pailhes of New Orleans justly owe them One thousand and twelve 35/100 dollars and interest at seven per cent...". Boldly written and signed, and very good.