Two handwritten letters from Varina Davis, both signed "V. Jefferson Davis," three total pages, black-bordered, 3.75 x 5.75 and 4.5 x 7, both addressed to "Mrs. Wise," Evelyn Byrd Beverly Douglas, the wife of Virginia Congressman John Sergeant Wise. The first letter, dated November 4, 1890, in part: "You cannot overestimate the pleasure your exquisite roses gave me. The queen of chrysanthemums afforded me the rarest of all things to an old worn out woman, a new experience. It is the largest and finest I have seen, and I have been a flower fancier and cultivator since my earliest youth." The second letter, undated, written from her "bed of pain," in part: "It is very good in you and Mr. Wise to think of an old ill & incompetent woman. I am thoroughly sensible of your kindness." In overall fine condition, with a thin rectangle of toning to the first page of Varina Anne's letter. Accompanied by carte-de-visite portrait of Jefferson Davis, published by E. Anthony of New York, both mailing envelopes, and by a two-page handwritten 'thank you' letter from her daughter, Varina Anne Davis, undated and also addressed to Mrs. Wise.
