Atchison, David Rice (1807-1886) to Jefferson Davis
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06569 Author/Creator: Atchison, David Rice (1807-1886) Place Written: Platte City, Missouri; Jackson, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 May 1853; 13 July 1863 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 24.7 x 20 cm.
Page one consists of a letter from Atchison, a United States Senator from Missouri, introducing Judge Samuel Treat of St. Louis to Davis, Secretary of War. Describes Treat as "a politician of the Nullification, Secession, & High Treason School, to which I belong, he understands the true position of parties and men in this State." Pages two and three consist of a 13 July 1863 letter from J. F. Allison, an infantryman from Illinois, to his parents. Allison discusses the surrenders of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Port Hudson, Louisiana. Describes witnessing Confederate General John C. Pemberton raise white flags, surrendering access to the Mississippi River. Writing from Jackson, Mississippi, Allison states "Grant is putting the army through- he makes them earn their bread. All feel confident in Grants ability to capture Jackson." Requests that his parents save this letter, as "It clearly proved that Jeff Davis was at that time conceiving his plans for secession." States that this and other documents were taken from a plantation near Jackson.
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