JAMES A. SEDDON - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 03/10/1844 - HFSID 291436

JAMES A. SEDDON
Shortly before his election to the US Congress, the future Confederate Secretary of War asks for return of some papers he will use in a speech.
Autograph Letter signed: "James A. Seddon", 1 page, 7¾x9. No place, 1844 March 10. To Thomas H. Ellis, Richmond, Virginia. In full: "I have been requested to attend Chesterfield Court tomorrow to address the people, and if I can dispatch some business now pressing on me, I shall probably do so. In the event of my going, I shall want the papers and documents which you took a few days since and I shall therefore be pleased if you could let me have them this evening. On my return or by Tuesday next they shall again be cheerfully placed at your disposal." Representing Virginia as a Democrat, James Alexander Seddon (1815-1880)served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1845-1847 and 1849-1851. He was a member of the Peace Convention held in Washington, D.C., in February 1861, in an effort to prevent the impending American Civil War. Seddon was a member of the Provisional Confederate Congress (1861-1862) before being appointed Secretary of War by Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Enjoying good relations with Davis, he served in that office longer than anyone else, but resigned under pressure from the Confederate Congress as the South's military position deteriorated. After the fall of Richmond, Seddon was arrested on May 23, 1865 and imprisoned with other Confederate officials at Fort Pulaski, near Savannah, Georgia. There were proposals to try him for the mistreatment of Union prisoners at Andersonville Prison, but President Andrew Johnson ordered that the charges be dropped. Seddon was released in November, retiring to his estate north of Richmond. Left edge frayed. Toned and creased. Multiple mailing folds. Multiple notches at top edge. Torn near top left corner. Multiple ink marks throughout letter. Wax seal on verso. Light water damage at right edge. Otherwise, fine condition.