97. ROBERT BARNWELL RHETT (1800-1876) The Confederacy's "Father of Secession", it was "fire-eater" Rhett's newspaper the Charleston Mercury which proclaimed "THE UNION IS DISSOLVED!" Superb content A.L.S. "R.B. Rhett" and signed again writing recipient's name: "Col. R.B. Rhett". 2pp. 4to., Richmond, July 31, 1861 to his son, Robert B. Rhett II who was editor of the his father's newspaper. Ten days after the Union debacle at First Bull Run, the Charleston "Fire-Eater" urges his son to clear out of Charleston and move in for the "kill". In part: "...I think you had better come here for recreation. You have been working hard enough. Put a short piece in your paper stating that you are about to be absent for several weeks, and rest to restore your strength and health...whilst here you might see if you are not yet, Robert, now, an officer for the war, with the regular army. But it is high time you should leave Charleston. You have only at most two months to recreate. Let me beseech you to leave it as soon as possible...I will go to Charleston and try to supply your place. Beauregard will advance on Washington in 2 or 3 weeks when I hope he will take it. He failed in not pushing on his right wing which was unoccupied to Washington after the Battle of Manassas...in the advance about 3 miles from Arlington Heights. The Virginia men do not like your taking their accounts on the Battle [?] was practically ignored. Men hate truth more than falsehood. Ripley acted foolishley in refusing the [?] offered him, or rather not answering the offer. It is now his chief difficulty...It was vindication brought to him, nothing to do with Ripley...Pray quit Charleston..." Very good. Matted and framed so that both sides of the letter are visible. No doubt Rhett wanted his son to share in the glory of the capture of Washington by Confederate forces! The "Ripley" referred to was likely Roswell S. Ripley, who started the war as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army of South Carolina. He played a major role in the Confederate bombardment of Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861 and was appointed brigadier general on August 15, 1861. Superb content from the North's biggest headache. $600-800