Two ALSs, one signed "Jeffer. Davis," and the other signed "V. Davis," three pages on two adjoining sheets, 6.25 x 8, March 16, 1859. Jefferson Davis writes about a recent conversation had with Buchanan, in full: "Before the receipt of yours of the 3d Inst. and very soon thereafter I mentioned to the President the subject of your son's appointment to West Point, though he did not answer me positively, his reply was such as to discourage the hopes I had entertained in that connexion. I however pressed the subject further upon him, and received a general assurance of consideration. I stated to him with perhaps more distinctness than courtesy the history of our disappointment in relations to the Midshipmans warrant. I enclose you a letter of Mr. Toucey's [Secretary of the Navy Issac Toucey] on that subject. I am now packing my trunk to leave for home by the next train, and begging you to excuse this hurried letter." Varina's letter begins on the reverse and reads, in part: "In the hurry of Jeff's departure I can only say how thankful I feel to you for the kind letters you have sent me, and how precious they are to me…Won't you now join your prayers to mine that Jeff may come back safe and not suffer by the exposure…He is pretty well, but labors to [sic] much, and too unceasingly—I read your advice to him, but alas with as little hope as I had to his doing you good when you were working yourself down…you were to us in the darkest hour of our lives more than friend, wiser than Brother, more faithful, gentle and soothing, and considerate than earthly Fathers often are to stricken children…Pray continue to write often, and long letters…I only wish we could say something in return cheering to Mrs French and yourself about Johnny—I will go and see Mr. Buchanan myself about him—maybe I can beg him into appointing him." In overall fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of Jefferson's signature, and a uniform shade of mild toning. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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