Description:

(1815-1879) Confederate brigadier general who commanded brigades composed of Native Americans as prior to the war he had served as a federal agent to the Choctaw tribe to oversee their relocation. Great content A.L.S., 1p. 4to., Cold Spring, May 19, 1853, to future Confederate president Jefferson Davis, then a colonel in the U.S. Army, regarding his recent appointment and a mutual friend. In part: '...I forward a letter...a copy...as a key to the movements[?] of that person and others to defeat my appointment, and as the same will make me believe that it was a consequence of a want of execution on my behalf or your part. The letter was not confidential, if it was I doubt the obligation to keep faith, such treacherous rascals. I have thought it justifiable under the circumstances while at Washington to fight fire with fire, though at risk of compromising myself and I think I have succeeded in getting to the bottom...Hugh was to see me this evening...[unknown person due to tear] to be nominated for the legislature and will be elected I think....[he] will do as well as any...he is...true to the states rights cause...care will be taken to have him fully committed, privately before he gets the nomination. I leave tomorrow on my way to the Choctaw anyway...' Tears on the verso have been repaired with tape, scattered stains and foxing. Cooper and Davis knew each other from their days fighting together during the Mexican War, most notably at the Battle of Buena Vista. Earlier in 1853, Davis was appointed as Secretary of War for Franklin Pierce, and in this capacity pushed for Cooper's federal appointment as an agent to the Choctaw tribe. The 'person and others', mentioned by Cooper who are trying to defeat his appointment, were likely disgruntled objectors to their cronyism. Also, it is possible that the unknown individual referenced to be nominated to the legislature, is Alexander B. Bradford (1799-1873), a distinguished Mexican War veteran who served with Jefferson Davis and was also at the Battle of Buena Vista.

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August 25, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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