ALS signed “Jno. S. Mosby,” one page, 8 x 10.5, Department of Justice, Washington letterhead, February 12, 1910. Mosby writes to “Chinn,” in full: “I suppose you have seen Fount since his talk with Col. Henderson. Henderson is an old friend of Mr. Taft’s—practiced before him when he was on the Bench & voted for him. Burroughs wrote me a letter about the attempt 4 years ago to blackmail him—he told me about it at the time & I commended him for refusing to submit to the demand. So I put a strong endorsement on Burroughs letter—said the party applying was the same in whose interest they tried to levy blackmail & that no such person should be appointed. Henderson read to Mr. Taft my endorsement—he agreed with me & said we wd. have to make a strong case to remove Burroughs. I enclosed also a letter from Burnett, Post Commander, G. A. R.—one from Blackford (High School) & one from the Bishop. Henderson thinks there is no doubt of Burroughs appointment while I have never mentioned the subject of his assistant to Burroughs (I thought it wd. be bad taste). Fount tells me that he will certainly appoint you. Henderson also carried a strong letter I gave him from L. L. Lewis in favor of Sam Chapman’s appointment of Coving on wh. I put a strong endorsement. My best way to approach Mr. Taft was through Col. Henderson. Tell Fount I want to see him & tell him Mrs. Chinn & Alice that I am working for them. I sent you my answer to Talcott. Shall take no notice of McKim.” Light creasing, a paperclip impression to the top edge, a couple of pencil remnants to the top right, and a red ink notation, otherwise fine condition.
After the war, Mosby controversially became a Republican and served in several Republican administrations, including those of Roosevelt and Taft, and as an assistant attorney general in the Department of Justice between 1904 and 1910. The ‘Gray Ghost’ kept his Confederate friends close, and here writes to Benton Chinn, a former ranger who fought with Mosby and was both his friend and assistant. Mosby mentions another Confederate veteran, Sam Chapman, the ‘Fighting Parson,’ who also fought beside him. An uncommon letter showing that the Confederate commander remained loyal to his men many years after the conflict. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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