Description:

WILLIAM MONTAGUE BROWNE
(1823-1883) Confederate politician and American newsman who briefly served as Acting Secretary of State for the Confederacy, and a temporary brigadier general in the Confederate Army. Good content A.L.S., 2pp. 4to., Washington, D.C., Jan. 31, 1861, marked ‘Confidential' at top, in part: ‘My Dear Stuart, you have doubtless heard of my quarrel with the President [James Buchanan], his withdrawal of the Executive patronage, and my… beneficial friends & supporters to publish my paper at the capital of the Southern Republic which will be fixed next week… I fear that the temporary suspension of the [Washington], Constitution [Browne's newspaper] may alarm your friends Thompson & Co who lent me the paper…' Browne promises payment for several bundles of paper, and continues: ‘ ...I would sooner perish from hunger than allow your generous endorsement of me to be dishonored for one hour. Learn the wishes of Thompson & Co & I shall follow thence promptly if you will communicate them to me at Montgomery Alabama whither I go tomorrow… The administration's betrayal of me & their subsequent persecution, in a pecuniary sense, will make my fortune.' He signs ‘Wm M Browne' at the conclusion in black ink. Shows original mailing folds, a few faint spots of foxing to the lower right of the first page, additional light folds, and faint pencil notations and a period identifying inscription, else very good.

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

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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