Title:
Louis T. Wigfall Signed Autograph Cut - "Marshall, Harrison County, Texas" - Civil War Secessionist and Confederate Senator - PSA/DNA Certified Authentic - Certification No. 85952475

Description:
A historically significant autograph cut signed by Louis T. Wigfall, the prominent Texas politician, United States senator, Confederate senator, and leading advocate of Southern secession. Written in period ink on lined paper, the inscription reads in full:

"Louis T. Wigfall
Marshall
Harrison County
Texas"

The piece is particularly desirable because Wigfall did more than simply sign his name: he added Marshall, Harrison County, Texas, identifying the East Texas community where he established his law practice and became an important figure in state politics after moving to Texas in 1846. The Texas State Historical Association confirms that Wigfall opened his own law office in Marshall before rising through the Texas legislature and ultimately to the United States Senate.

The handwriting remains clear and well defined, with Wigfall's full signature occupying the upper portion and the location neatly written beneath it. The paper displays expected age toning, scattered foxing, and horizontal ruling consistent with its period. It is professionally encapsulated by PSA for preservation and display.

Historical Context:
Louis Trezevant Wigfall was born in South Carolina in 1816 and moved to Texas in 1846. After practicing law in East Texas, he became deeply involved in Democratic politics, serving in the Texas House of Representatives and Texas Senate. In 1859, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he became one of the country's most outspoken advocates of slavery, states' rights, and Southern secession.

Wigfall played a conspicuous role during the secession crisis and the opening of the Civil War. After Texas seceded, he remained temporarily in the United States Senate before withdrawing on March 23, 1861. On July 11, 1861, the Senate formally expelled Wigfall and nine other Southern senators for supporting the Confederacy.

His involvement in the Confederacy extended beyond politics. At the outbreak of the war, Wigfall traveled to Charleston and, during the bombardment of Fort Sumter, rowed out to the fort and became involved in negotiations surrounding its surrender. He subsequently served in the Confederate Army, receiving appointment as a brigadier general, before resigning his military command in 1862 to serve in the Confederate Senate.

The inclusion of Marshall, Harrison County, Texas makes this autograph especially evocative of Wigfall's Texas career. Marshall was the community from which he developed the political prominence that eventually carried him into the national secession crisis and the Confederate government.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
The autograph has been authenticated and professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA. The PSA label identifies the piece as "CUT / LOUIS WIGFALL" and designates the autograph "AUTHENTIC AUTO." It carries PSA certification number 85952475, visible on the holder. The clear encapsulation protects the original paper while allowing Wigfall's complete signature and handwritten Texas location to remain fully visible.

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer's request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional "Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate" signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
Louis T. Wigfall autographs have direct relevance to Texas history, the secession crisis, and the political and military history of the Confederacy. This example is particularly appealing because Wigfall personally added Marshall, Harrison County, Texas beneath his signature, giving the piece a strong geographic connection to his Texas political career. Combined with its period appearance, substantial handwriting, and PSA/DNA authentication, it is a compelling artifact for a collection focused on the Civil War, Texas history, or 19th-century American political figures.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.