Description:

DANIEL SMITH DONELSON
(1801 - 1863) Confederate major general. The historic river-port of Fort Donelson was named for him as a brigadier in the Tennessee militia, early in the Civil War. He led the initial assault at Perryville, and fought at the Battle of Stones River. Died of disease. DONELSON VOWS TO ‘ASSIST IN DRIVING BACK THE VANDAL INVADERS OF THE SOIL OF S. CAROLINA' Very rare, fine content A.L.S. ‘D. S. Donelson', 2pp. 4to., [place uncl.], Jan. 6, 1861, to an attorney acquaintance. Donelson, writing on the eve of the Civil War, thanks his correspondent for several gifts, and continues, in part: ‘...I have not yet had time to open the Book, but expect to do so in a short time, when the excitement, produced by the attempt of the Enemy to land on the main land subsides – you will accept my thanks for a present so acceptable – it will form a chapter in my history, which time will not erase… I have now with me Capt. Tom. Elliott, and Capt [?], enlisting volunteer aides – your son applied… at our early period, to so act… I have enough to say, that he can address himself as a member of my volunteer staff – he can join me whenever active service in the field is required, & believe, for a short time now, we will have no demonstration from the enemy – he will know, when to join me, as he is near at hand… last night I had a younger son to join me… 17 years of age – he will be an amateur fighter by my side in the field – I am free to assist in driving back the vandal invaders of the soil of S. Carolina – am willing to risk not only my own life, but that of my sons, in the noble cause, in which Carolina leads the van…' Donelson signs at the conclusion in black ink, adding his rank ‘Brig. Gen. Comdg.' Shows original mailing folds, with a few scattered ink spots and light toning, otherwise in very good to fine condition.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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