Title:
Jefferson C. Davis Signed and Dated Autograph Cut - Fort Sumter Defender and Union Major General - Omaha Barracks, 1875 - PSA/DNA Certified Authentic - Certification No. 85952478
Description:
A substantial signed and dated autograph cut of Major General Jefferson C. Davis, the career United States Army officer who defended Fort Sumter at the opening of the Civil War and later became a prominent Union general. Written boldly in period ink, the piece is dated December 2, 1875, at Omaha Barracks.
The visible inscription reads:
"Very Resp'y
Jeff C. Davis
Bvt Maj Genl
U.S. Army
Omaha Barracks
Dec. 2d 1875."
Davis's signature is large and prominently placed at the center of the cut, followed by his military rank and U.S. Army designation. The inclusion of "Omaha Barracks" and the precise 1875 date adds considerable historical character to the piece, documenting Davis during his post-Civil War career in the regular United States Army.
The paper exhibits expected age toning, folds, minor staining, and general handling wear. The writing remains dark and readily legible. The reverse retains additional period handwriting and evidence consistent with the cut having originated as part of a larger document or correspondence.
Historical Context:
Jefferson Columbus Davis, not to be confused with Confederate President Jefferson Davis, was a lifelong U.S. Army officer whose military career stretched from the Mexican-American War through the Indian Wars. His Civil War service began at one of the most consequential places imaginable: Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor. In April 1861, Davis was serving with Major Robert Anderson's Federal garrison when Confederate batteries opened fire on the fort, beginning the American Civil War. He endured the bombardment and remained with the garrison until Fort Sumter was surrendered and evacuated.
Davis subsequently rose rapidly through Union command. As a colonel he commanded a division at the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862, where his performance contributed to an important Union victory in Arkansas and helped earn his promotion to brigadier general. He later commanded troops at Stones River and Chickamauga and eventually commanded the XIV Corps under Major General William T. Sherman. By the end of the Civil War, Davis had become one of Sherman's senior field commanders.
Davis's career also included one of the more notorious personal episodes involving a senior Union officer. In September 1862, following a confrontation in Louisville, Kentucky, Davis fatally shot Union Major General William "Bull" Nelson. Despite the killing, Davis was never prosecuted and soon returned to active command.
After the Civil War, Davis remained in the regular Army and continued serving on the expanding western frontier. His postwar assignments included command in Alaska and command of U.S. forces during the Modoc War. He remained in Army service until his death in 1879.
This autograph therefore represents an officer with an unusually broad military career, connecting the Mexican-American War, the bombardment and surrender of Fort Sumter, major campaigns of the Civil War, and the postwar U.S. Army in the American West.
Authentication & Encapsulation:
The autograph has been authenticated and professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA. The PSA label identifies the piece as "CUT / JEFFERSON C. DAVIS" and designates the autograph "AUTHENTIC AUTO." It carries PSA certification number 85952478, displayed on the holder. The clear encapsulation preserves the original autograph while allowing both sides of the historic paper to remain visible.
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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:
This is an especially appealing Jefferson C. Davis autograph because it combines his signature, military rank, U.S. Army affiliation, location, and exact date on a single period piece. Davis's presence inside Fort Sumter during the Confederate bombardment gives the autograph a direct connection to the opening battle of the Civil War, while his later service as a major Union commander and postwar Army officer adds further historical depth. PSA/DNA authentication and professional encapsulation complete a compelling artifact for collectors of Civil War generals, Fort Sumter material, and 19th-century American military history.
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.
