Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 to [D.W. Lewis]
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05293 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Letter signed Date: 21 September 1863 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25.8 cm, Width: 19.6 cm Order a Copy
Discusses his relationship with Robert A. Toombs, his former Secretary of State. Six months earlier Davis had failed to give Toombs a military promotion and he subsequently resigned. Praises Toombs for helping free the south from "A union so odious to our people." Explains that he was reluctant to promote Toombs to Brigadier Admiral because of his concerns in placing a civilian with no field experience in such a high rank. Rebuts the perception that he was biased in favor of officers trained in military academies. Acknowledges Toombs's service in Florida but notes that his name was never submitted by another officer for promotion. Closes by expressing his hopes that he will one day be on better terms with Toombs. [Recipient identified in Rowland Dunbar's Jefferson Davis, Constitutionalist: His Letters, Papers, and Speeches, p.43.]
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