Confederate Gen. Henry Wise

Autographed Letter Signed.

Background: As Governor of Virginia from 1856 to 1860, Wise is remembered for authorizing the execution of abolitionist John Brown. Later, as a Union POW, Gen. Wise defiantly signed this letter with his Confederate rank and the unrepentant status of one who never applied for amnesty after the War.

With this letter, Gen. Wise responds to a request for the autographs of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and antebellum US Senators James Mason and John Slidell, notable for their involvement in the Trent Affair and their 1862 capture at sea while en route to England as diplomats for the Confederacy.

"Richmond, Va., September 29th 1865. Dear Sir, I have no autograph of either Mr. Davis or of Senators Mason or Slidell, which I can send you. I hereby furnish you my own & am Very respectfully Your Obedient Servant, Henry A. Wise, Brig. Genl. C.S.A., Prisoner of War on Parole."

Note: Evenly toned, with light horizontal folds and a few small stains.

$650