Signifiant autograph album compiled by Charles Wells Russell (1818-1867), a prominent Virginia politician who served in the Provisional Confederate Congress and the 1st/2nd Confederate Congresses. After his death in 1867, Russell's wife (perhaps his daughter as well) continued to collect former Confederate signatures in the album until the 1870s/80s. 

The album contains the signatures of 150+ delegates to the Provisional Confederate Congress and various Confederate officials/military officers. Notable examples include: Jefferson Davis, Alexander Stephens, General James Longstreet, John C. Breckenrige, General John S. Mosby (a relative of Russel’s), General P.G.T. Beauregard, and General Benjamin Huger. The majority of delegates that comprised the Provisional Confederate Congress are accounted for in this album- Charles Russell's access gave him ample opportunity to collect their signatures. An exhaustive list of each delegate and their background isn't possible here, but many were well-known politicians and quite a few served as military officers during the Civil War. 

Interestingly, this album undoubtedly accompanied Charles Russell when he fled to Canada after the war. Fearing conviction for treason, Russell ostensibly joined compatriot John C. Breckenridge there until their safe return was assured. Breckeneidge signed this album "John C. Breckenridge, Toronto, Canada West, April 5th 1866."  

Affixed in the album are also a number of letters and keepsakes, a few include: 1pp. 1877 letter from Alexander Stephens to Mrs. Russell, 1 pp. 1867 letter from former President James Buchanan expressing his condolences to Mrs. Russell after the death of her husband, four Confederate currency notes in fine condition, calling cards (a few from prominent individuals), several letters from the Archbishop of Baltimore, a Confederate bond, a newspaper article stating the Charles Russell had fled to Canada after the war, and more.  

Rare and historic item. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate] [Robert E. Lee, Abraham Lincoln, Stonewall Jackson, John Hunt Morgan, Jefferson Davis]