Jefferson Davis Letter Signed in Text Introducing Young Friend J. Perkins, Who Would Later Serve in Confederate Congress

1p, measuring 7.75" x 10", N.p., n.d. [ca. 1848]. A handwritten letter signed within the text "Jeffn Davis", addressed to Vice President George M. Dallas. Davis asks Dallas to deliver an introductory letter to their Minister Mr. Rush from his friend John Perkins Jr. Perkins was set to travel to Europe and required contacts while he was abroad. PSA Slabbed and Graded MINT 9, measuring 9.75" x 13" overall. The letter has flattened folds, with light edge toning, soiling, and foxing throughout. Large and bold signature.

The letter reads in full: "V. President Dallas will much oblige Jeffn Davis if he will give his friend Jno Perkins Jr, an introductory letter to our Minister Mr. Rush and any other person who will facilitate his purpose to travel through Europe for mutual and physical advantage. Mr. Perkins is a young gentleman of fortune, high talent and acquirement. His morals and habits are entirely unexceptionable, and I have considered him the most promising young man in our section of the U. States. Within is the letter of Mr. Perkins in which he refers to you."

John Perkins Jr. (1819-1885) was a lawyer and the son of John Perkins, Sr., the wealthiest man in Madison Parish, Louisiana, owner of Hapaka Plantation and Somerset Plantation. In the summer of 1848, Perkins "was delegated by the Society to make researches (historical) relating to Louisiana", and traveled to Paris for several months during 1848 and 1849. During this time he was in contact with many French officials and had access to the vast archives of the Ministry of Marines and of the French War and Foreign Departments. Later, Perkins Jr. was elected to the Confederate House of Representatives from the Northeast Louisiana District, where he served until the Confederate Congress was abolished. When Federal troops threatened his plantation, Somerset, Perkins set fire to his magnificent home and 2,000 bales of cotton to prevent them from being used by the Yankees. He fled to Mexico and entered the service of Emperor Maximilian of Mexico. When Maximillan was killed in June 1867, Perkins fled to Europe. He finally returned to Madison Parish in 1878, and there spent the last years of his life.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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