Davis, Jefferson

Autograph endorsement signed ("Jeffn Davis"), 5 February 1862, at the bottom of a lengthy autograph letter signed of Joseph Harris, 2 pages (12 x 7 7/8 in.; 305 x 199mm), Summerville, 30 January 1862, to Jefferson Davis, also endorsed by Judah P. Benjamin ("J. P. Benjamin"), 6 February 1862; light browning. Grey linen folding case, marine blue morocco spine lettered gilt.

Handling a vitriolic attack. Joseph Harris attacks Captain J. T. Montgomery in his letter to President Davis: "Why is it that the Confederacy is stabbed & the Jeff Davis Flying Artillery is murdered by reinstating such a man as J.T. Montgomery. He is a broken down school-master & a drunken preacher, & the information has come from high quarters that he has been beastly drunk, since his return to camp . . . neither officers nor men respect him & he has no military turn whatever to palliate his offenses." At the close of the letter Davis writes: "This letter contains charges which though general require attention--Let the case be referred to Genl. Johnston." Below the endorsement of Davis, Judah P. Benjamin writes as Secretary of War: "Prefer charges against Captain J.T. Montgomery of Jeff. Davis Flying Artillery. Respt. referred to Genl. Jos. E. Johnston as directed by the President."