82. JEFFERSON DAVIS A most interesting exchange all on a single folded lettersheet between a gentleman offering to return a family heirloom ring to Varina Davis, Jefferson Davis' letter to his wife on the matter, together with a secretarial reply signed for Jefferson Davis. Beginning with an A.L.S. from George O. Kelly, New Tacoma, Washington Territory, Feb. 16, 1876, to Varina Davis: "About the 28th of December last I addressed a letter to you...My object was to ascertain if the late Jeff D. Howell Captain of the Steamship Pacific lost at sea was your brother and if so to send you a ring which had belonged to him and is now in my hands...". Opposite Kelly's letter Davis writes: "Dear Wife, not expecting a letter for you to be directed to this place I opened that of Mr. Kelly by mistake, and answered to save time. Am anxious to hear how you are. Affectionately, your Husband". On the reverse is a draft reply to Kelly: "Your letter...to my wife was this day received. She is not in the city & I reply that Jeffn D. Howell was her brother & bore to us more the relation of a son. She would value the ring you offer very much & would be most grateful to you for it...". The draft, written and signed Jefferson Davis, is in a secretarial hand. Very fine.                                         $1,000 - 1,500