efferson Davis Handwritten Signed Letter Seeking Foreign Investment in the South’s Mining Industry.
 
Confederate President Jefferson Davis was left nearly destitute after the Civil War. In this telling handwritten letter from Davis sent to London, Davis introduces his friend who is “extensively engaged in the reduction of iron ores, and is particularly informed in regards to the coal and iron mines of Tennessee”. Davis tried to shore up investment for mining prospects throughout the South with ultimately ended up being a financial failure.
 
Entire letter is in Davis’ hand with a desirable full signature as “Jefferson Davis”. One fact many collectors don’t know is that Varina Davis routinely signed and imitated Davis’ handwriting and signature almost to perfection. Letters in her hand have sold for hundreds of dollars purporting to have been signed by Jefferson Davis. Here is an example that takes all the guesswork out of it and is definitively written by the Confederate President.
 
CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY BECKETT AUTHENTICATIONS SERVICES (BAS) EXPERT EXAMINATION. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE. Item is encapsulated inside Beckett's sonically-sealed, tamper-evident holder.
 
Letter is in fine condition, mailing folds, signs of mounting to corners, some ink smearing towards bottom of the first page. Overall very well preserved for its 145+ years of age.
 
Davis has written:
 
“Vicksburg Mipi 2nd of Nov. 1875
W. Thompson Cordner 13 Clements Lane [Sic] Street London,
My dear sir,
Permit me to present to you George T. Lewis of Tennessee and to ask for him such attention as may be due to a gentleman of high character and intelligence to visit your country in the interest which has received such efficient aid from you. A more direct intercourse between the [sic] of England and the people of the valley of the Mississippi. Mr. Lewis has been busy and extensively engaged in the reduction of iron ores, and is particularly informed in regards to the coal and iron mines of Tennessee. He will at your pleasure explain to you you more fully the object of his visit, and I will find personally obliged to you for such in furtherance of his purpose as you can consistently give.
Very truly yours
Jefferson Davis”
 
Sold as is, as shown.