Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Appointment of Alexander H. Stephens as agent to treat with Va. (c/s Toombs)

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03724 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson (1808-1889) Place Written: Montgomery Type: Document signed Date: 19 April 1861 Pagination: 2 p. 35.3 x 21.5 cm Order a Copy

Countersigned by Robert Toombs. Stephens was to negotiate Virginia's joining the Confederacy.

TRANSCRIPT GLC 3724
Jefferson Davis. Document signed: Montgomery, Alabama, 19 April 1861. 2 pages. (Co-signed by Robert Toombs.)

Jefferson Davis
President of the Confederate States of America
To all whom these presents shall Concern Greeting.
Know ye that for the purpose of establishing friendly relations between the Confederate States of America and the Commonwealth of Virginia: and reposing Special trust and confidence in the integrity prudence and ability of Alexander H. Stephens Vice President of the Confederate States of America appointed Special commissioner of the Confederate States to the Commonwealth of Virginia; I have invested him with full and all manner of power and authority for and in the name of the Confederated States, to meet and confer with any person, or persons authorized by the Government of Virginia being furnished with like power and authority, and with him or them to agree, treat, consult and negotiate of and concerning all matters and subjects interesting to both republics; and to conclude a Treaty or Treaties transmitting the same to the President of Confederate States for his final ratification by and with the advice and consent of the Congress of the Confederate States.
In testimony whereof I have caused the Seal of the Confederate States to be hereunto affixed.

Given under my hand at the City of Montgomery this Nineteenth day of April A.D. 1861.
Jefferson Davis
By the President
R. Toombs
Secretary of State

Notes:

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources