91. DABNEY H. MAURY (1822-1900) Confederate major general who fought at Pea Ridge and later served with the Army of the West at Iuka and Corinth. A.L.S., 3pp. 4to., Lynchburg, Va., Aug. 15, 1873 to former Confederate General P.G.T. Beauregard discussing dealing with organizational matters for the Southern Historical Society, which Maury founded in 1868 to promulgate the southern view of the late conflict. He writes in part: "...there were two important objects for us to accomplish. First to adopt an effective plan for raising an annual income. Second to appoint a proper man as secretary of the Society, or to provide for work on one. I believe by the cooperation for an established magazine we can secure several thousand members...You know I have always urged that great circumspection should be exercised to guard the character of our members. None shall be admitted into our Society who were not actually embarked in our Cause to the full extent of their ability. This would admit many women even, and others who could not take up arms for us, and would exclude many men who are eager enough now to enter our Society...You know...how long I have been working to place this Society on a practical working basis, and can therefore understand the angst with which I left you all last night...P.S. Should General [Jubal] Early persist in declining to be our Secretary might not Gen. Wade Hampton accept?" Light soiling and a few marginal chips, otherwise very good. $400-600