Description:

RICHARD GRIFFITH
(1814 - 1862) Confederate brigadier general, close friend of Jefferson Davis from their service in the Mexican American War. Mortally wounded at the Battle of Savage's Station. Griffith's death was greatly lamented by Davis, who had his body laid out at the Confederate White House and kept a portrait of the late general in his office. Very rare war-date A.L.S. ‘Rich. Griffith', 4pp. 4to., Richmond, Nov. 23, 1861, to ‘My Darling Wife', an extremely affectionate message written at the end of a long convalescence and just after receiving his promotion to command a brigade. In small part: ‘...My Brigade seems very anxious to have me, and I am equally solicitous to join them, & expect to do so shortly. There will probably be five Mississippi Regiments, a Battery of four guns and a squadron of cavalry under my command, and whilst I do not expect another fight at Leesburg this fall & winter, I believe we could meet double that number successfully and repulse them… Dear wife I would that you could banish all unpleasant ideas – all sad emotions, and put on your usual pleasant smile with happy feelings as though I were at home and with you… The case of Col. [Erasmus] Burt [killed at the Battle of Ball's Bluff] was a sad one indeed, and we feel it more forcibly because he was our intimate friend & neighbor – we all knew him – all admired & esteemed him – in fact universally beloved and very deservedly so because he was worthy – truly just and brave man. Due respect has been paid to his remains. Around the fallen hero we can well shed the tear of regret for his cruel fate & remember with pride his many virtues, & turn our thoughts to the living… war is a sad thing indeed, dear, and I can cheerfully join you in the wish that there could be peace once more, and all of us permitted to return to our happy homes & families once more… You may say to Mrs. Warner that the widow's mite was receive with grateful thanks, and her patriotic labor distributed to the needy soldiers of the 12th Miss. Regt… Your application for my furlough shall be filed with Genl. Beauregard when I next meet him, but I have no hopes of obtaining... leave of absence for home. My commission is now for the war, & will hardly be able to leave again soon. But for fear of an engagement I would have gone home during my sick leave now. For the past month I have not been with the Regt. as I received my new commission whilst sick in bed the 1st of this month… While here I was compelled to have me a pair of dress pants made. The cost was $30.00 and that after jewing the tailor down $3.00…' He goes on to thank his wife for sending him clothing and other items, and sends his regards to many friends and family members, before closing: ‘...The President [Jefferson Davis] is well, but Mrs. Davis is not – shortly expected to be confined…' He signs at the conclusion in black ink. Much more good, personal content besides. Shows original mailing folds, with very light toning and a few scattered ink stains, otherwise in very good to fine condition.

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November 14, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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