British-born American politician and lawyer (1811-1884) who, after serving in the U.S. Senate and rejecting nomination to the Supreme Court, served variously as attorney general, secretary of war, and secretary of state for the Confederacy. Manuscript DS, signed “Benjamin, Atty.,” four pages both sides, 8 x 13, no date [circa 1840s]. A legal petition filed in the Parish Court of New Orleans in a case involving repayment of a promissory note. In very good condition, with light toning, light wrinkling and handling wear, and partial separations along folds (slightly touching “B”; archival reinforcements). R&R COA.
