US Army officer (1807–1891) who served in the Mexican-American War and Seminole Wars, and was also one of the most senior general officers in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. ALS signed “J. E. Johnston,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 5 x 8, October 11, 1880. Handwritten letter to Gen. William Farrar 'Baldy' Smith, in part: "The Richmond district (mine) has never been doubtful, for it has the staunchest population in the world—especially in Richmond, which has 3/7ths of the votes. But the recent action of the republicans has taken from Mahone all chances of republican help. For the authorities here have directed the party in Va. to bring out full tickets, congressional and electoral. This will make Mahone's party decidedly the weakest of the three and nothing can now hurt us in the state but such a money contribution by the republican party as will pay the poll-taxes of the negroes of the state. That payment is a necessary qualification to voting. Our party is confident, therefore…If the republican committee should send money to Va. for negro poll taxes, the democratic might make an offset by paying those of some poor whites." In fine condition. Accompanied by the original sales folder from early 20th century antiquarian bookseller Ernest Dressel North.
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