[Civil War]. Robert Toombs Autographed Letter Signed ("R. Toombs") as U.S. Senator from Georgia. One page, 9.75" x 7.75", Washington; December 4, 1859. Written shortly before Georgia seceded from the Union, Toombs laments to his close friend, Thomas W. Thomas ( a Georgia judge), on growing tensions in the country. In part: "I do not like the look of things either in Washington or in the North, Old Buck [President James Buchanan] is determine to rule... I think he means to continue his own dynasty or destroy the party and the times are at least favourable to his accomplishing the latter result & the country with it – we must succeed next year with some sound, reliable Southern Democrat or the future is gloomy enough... If they beat us I see no safety for us... if such a calamity should come we should prepare to defend ourselves at the doorsill..." A strangely prophetic letter with an accompanying photographic print of Toombs. A wealthy landowner and politician, Robert Toombs of Georgia (1810-1885) quickly became an important figure in establishing the Confederacy. As evidenced in this letter, he expressed concerns regarding Union influence and policy and the strength of the South if a Civil War were to arise. Though appointed the first Secretary of State of the Confederacy, he quickly resigned from the position over key differences and more than a little disappointment for failing to secure the presidency himself. He was commissioned a brigadier general and commanded troops through the Peninsula Campaign, Seven Days Battles, Northern Virginia, and Maryland, and was wounded in action at Antietam in defense of Burnside's Bridge. Through the remainder of the war, he was a loud critic of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and narrowly escaped imprisonment by fleeing to Europe. He died in his home state of Georgia in 1885. Condition: Creased along old folds. Light scattered soiling and foxing. Small blind stamp to the upper left corner. Small remnants of dried, toned glue to the corners on the verso. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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