Secessionist politician from South Carolina (1800–1876). ALS, three pages, lightly-lined on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, May 13, 1870. Letter to General Crawford. In part: “ My Son Col. R.B. Rhett informs me that you expressed a desire to see me concerning the History, I have for several years meditated writing, of the Rise and Fall of the Confederate States, and that you think you may be able to get for me the information in Washington I may need for such a work; and especially access to the captured Archives of the Confederate States. Allow me to express to you my profound sense of the interest you take in my proposed undertaking, and your kind offer of assistance…When I might have commanded the means to defray the expense of the investigation, I applied to President Johnson, to allow me to examine the Confederate Archives, and take such copies of documents as I may need for history. He frankly expressed to me his willingness that I should do so; but said; before formally determining to grant me permission, he desired to consult some of his Cabinet, and he would let me know the result…Being a member of the Convention which set up the Confederacy, and the Provisional Congress afterwards, of course I know a great deal of the doings of the Confederate Congress; but any statement of mine without documentary proof, would be deemed mere assertions, questionable at least. But I must be frank with you in saying to you that I have now not the means, if I had the opportunity, to go to Washington and examine the Confederate Archives. After losing my claims, I had my lands and borrowed money to carry on Planting operations. Caterpillars swept away what the war left.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, several passing through signature, uniform toning, and show-through from docketing on reverse of second page. Rhett never advanced past the Congress in the Confederate government, and returned to his home state. RR Auction COA.
