Beschreibung
5 autograph letters, 8vo (10" x 8"). 7 pp. 1 letter docketed on verso. 4 letters with original envelopes. Five letters, all written in 1853, supporting future Confederate Brig-Gen. Richard Griffith's (successful) effort to be appointed U.S. Marshall of Mississippi, including some Mexican War and Jefferson Davis content. A native of Pennsylvania, Richard Griffith (1814-1862) moved to Mississippi around 1840, where he lived until the outbreak of the Mexican War, during which he served with the 1st Regt. of Mississippi Rifles and developed a close friendship with his commanding officer Col. Jefferson Davis. Upon returning from Mexico, Griffith worked as a banker in Jackson, Louisiana; served two terms as State Treasurer of Mississippi; and, as these letters document, became U.S. Marshal of Mississippi. Present when Mississippi passed the ordnance of secession, Griffith soon thereafter organized the Raymond Fencibles--a company that eventually became part of the 12th Mississippi Infantry. (Griffith was one of a number of Northern-born men who served in the Confederate military.) He was elected colonel of the regiment, which was assigned to duty in Virginia. Promoted to brigadier general in Nov. 1861, Griffith was placed in charge of a brigade of four Mississippi regiments-this promotion being a direct result of Davis's actions. By the spring of 1862, Griffith's brigade consisted of the 1st Louisiana Battalion; the 13th, 18th and 21st Mississippi Regts; and one battery-a total of some 2,534 men. Griffith's brigade saw action during the Seven Days' Battles, which resulted in Union forces under George McClellan being driven from the Virginia Peninsula. On 29 June 1862, at the Battle of Savage's Station (during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign), Griffith was mortally wounded by Federal artillery shell that tore through his thigh, causing profuse bleeding. His funeral the next day was attended by Davis, members of the Confederate cabinet, and hundreds of other mourners. The Letters 1. Samuel S. Boyd (1849-1894). Natchez, Mississippi. 17 Feb. 1853. To President Gen. Franklin Pierce, Washington, D.C. This letter was likely written from the famous "Arlington" mansion, home of Boyd, a Mississippi Supreme Court Judge. Boyd writes: "Gen'l G[riffith's].'s character and standing in this community entitle him the respect and confidence of all with whom he may become acquainted. He was adjutant of the first Miss. Rifles and served with great distinction.through the dangers and triumphs of the Mexican War. Returning [home], he was elected by the people to the responsible position of treasurer of the State. He has been raised to the office of Major General in our State Military Establishment." 2. C[harles]. E. Hooker (1825-1914). Jackson, Mississippi. 12 Feb. 1853. To Hon. Daniel Wallace, Washington, D.C. Hooker writes: "[Griffith] visits Washington City as an applicant for the position of Marshal of the Southern District of Mississippi. My friend is, no doubt, already known to you by reputation, as an adjutant of the 1st Miss.[issippi] Rifles under our gallant [Jefferson] Davis, and the gallantry which distinguished him on the Field of battle has only been surpassed by the high character for probity and integrity which he has won for himself in civil positions." 3. H. J. Harris. Vicksburg, Mississippi. 16 Feb. 1853. To Hon. Samuel Medary, Washington, D.C. Harris writes: "[Griffith] is a democrat of the school to which you belong, that is to say, one who never abandons his principles. He probably has an additional claim to your good will in the fact that he was raised in Ross County in your state [Pennsylvania] and belonged to a family that were always on hand when the battles of democracy were to be fought." … Please contact us for full description. Bestandsnummer des Verkäufers 6347
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