Confederate officer (1809-1861) best known for organizing the defense of Virginia along the Potomac River after the state's secession, and briefly commanding troops before committing suicide. Partly-printed DS, signed “Philip St. Geo. Cocke,” one page, 7.75 x 5, April 2, 1854. Membership certificate, in full: "Be it Known, That Reuben Sawyer of Pulaski County, Virginia, having contributed Twenty Dollars to the Virginia State Society, is thereby constituted a Member for Life, which shall exempt him from annual contributions." Signed at the conclusion by Philip St. George Cocke as president of the society, and countersigned by Frank G. Ruffin as secretary. In very good to fine condition, with light soiling, creasing, and scattered staining. Though Cocke was praised for his actions early in the Civil War and promoted shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run, he could not cope with the strains of battle, and took his own life on December 26, 1861. A scarce autograph from the tragic Confederate soldier.
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