Description:

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. The only Jew in the Confederate Cabinet, he fled to England at war's end to avoid prosecution. Rare war-date A.L.S. "J. P. Benjamin" as Secretary of War on Confederate War Department letterhead, 1p. 4to., Richmond, Feb. 24, 1862 to Capt. Henry Cleveland in Savannah, Ga. Benjamin informs him that "...No authority to raise troops in Georgia will issue from this Department, until the Governor has completed the quota of troops for the war, for which requisition has been made on that State by the President...". At the time of this letter, the depleted Confederate army was in dire straits and seeking reinforcements from Benjamin...who categorically refused. He did not rise to meet the outcry of the South, choosing instead to resign. However, less than one month later, Jefferson Davis would appoint Benjamin Secretary of State. Very light toning at extreme margins, otherwise very good.

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January 20, 2010 10:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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