Davis, Jefferson to Frank H. Alfriend
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05344.02 Author/Creator: Davis, Jefferson Place Written: Memphis, Tennesee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 April 1871 Pagination: 2 p. ; 27.8 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy
Marked "Private" at the top. Davis has not been able to obtain a copy of the biography which Alfriend wrote. The book is available only through subscription. He heard the book was "the best work on the subject which had been produced." He encourages Alfriend to write a history of the war between the states that would do "justice to our Section . . . ." He continues: "The severe ordeal of War and the still harder test of unrestrained power in the hands of the successful combattant [sic], have shed a flood of light on the questions which were discussed in the formation of the plan of Union and continued to be [inserted: the] theme on which the best talent of the country labored. . . . . [M]y papers were captured so that I cannot offer such records as I once proposed."
Memphis, Tenn., 28th April 1871
My dear Sir,
I should have answered your kind letter at an earlier date but for a reason which may no doubt surprise you. I have not seen your biography of myself and have failed in my efforts to get a copy. A book seller of this place informs me that it is not publicly offered for sale and that he has not so far succeeded in buying one from one of the subscribers to the work. A friend of mine who was better informed of my private life than perhaps any one, and who had most attentively watched my public career, told me he regarded it the best work on the subject which had been produced. He promised to let me have his copy, but by some accident I did not get it. Your friendly zeal and the determination manifested in confronting the bitter prejudice against me by those who then held control, claim not only my grateful acknowledgement, but my fullest confidence. I hope soon to go to the Southern Atlantic states and to have the opportunity of conversing fully with you. For broader considerations than my personal interest, I trust you will fulfill your design by writing extensively on the events and political causes of the late war between the states. Justice to our section demands such exposition as you propose; and the restoration of the U. S. government to the character it bore in the day of our Fathers, is best to be sought through the elucidation of its history. The severe ordeal of War and the still harder test of unrestrained power in the hands of the successful combatant, have shed a flood of light on the questions which were discussed in the formation of the plan of Union, and continued to be the theme on which the best talent of the country labored. It will give me pleasure at any time to give you the aid of my memory in the progress of your work, my papers were captured, so that I cannot offer such records as I once possessed.
When we meet we can better comprehend what is wanted on one side, and what can be done on the other; and in the mean time believe me very respectfully and faithfully yours
Jefferson Davis
Frank H. Alfriend
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