Description:

VARINA DAVIS ADMITS FORGERY
VARINA HOWELL DAVIS (1826 - 1906) Wife of Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America. Mrs. Davis remained a staunch supporter of "the lost cause" until her death. Superb content A.L.S., 1p. 8vo., Hotel Gerard in New York City, [n.d.], replying to a young woman requesting Jefferson Davis' autograph. Varina admits to signing the majority of her husband's documents, in part: "...I am sorry not to be able to send you one of my husband's autographs, as he very seldom wrote even his name for fourteen or fifteen years of his life. My hand was so like his that I signed his letters & checks, and all of his business letters. With regrets I must add your name to those already disappointed in this quest...". Boldly signed, "V. Jefferson Davis". Though the letter is undated, Hotel Gerard in Times Square (then known as Longacre Square) opened in 1892, so it is likely that Davis wrote the letter while living in New York and working as a writer for Joseph Pulitzer. Fine.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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