“THE ELECTIONS IN THE STATES HAVE GONE AS WAS FEARED,…I AM UNABLE TO SEE THE GOOD WHICH WE USUALLY STRIVE TO FIND IN WHATEVER IS IRREVOCABLE”

“IT IS OFTEN EASIER TO PRONOUNCE A THING WRONG IN THE BEGINNING THAN TO SHOW THAT ITS REMOVAL WOULD BE FOR THE PERMANENT GOOD.”

DAVIS, JEFFERSON.  (1808-89).  First and only president of the Confederate States of America (1861-1865). Revealing Partial Autograph Letter Signed, “J.D.”  One full page, octavo.  No place, no date.  Fine condition.  To an unknown correspondent, who is only identified as “Mr. F. de R.” at the closing of the letter. Davis writes:

 “…great comfort to you in this period of loneliness, left as you are in a foreign though a kindred land.  The elections in the States have gone as was feared, and now that is doomed I am unable to see the good which we usually strive to find in whatever is irrevocable.  When I see you, you must teach me what lies beneath this dust raised by the ‘Liberals’ and ‘Conservatives’ — It is often easier to pronounce a thing wrong in the beginning than to show that its removal would be for the permanent good.  With tenderest [sic] love and anxiously looking forward to the time when I may again salute you, I am ever affectionately yours,  J. D.”

 

Apparently, this letter is written after Davis’ release from prison and was attempting to re-establish himself in England and elsewhere, in an attempt to make a living by leading others in investment into railroads, and insurance companies.                                 

 

 $1500.00