September 22, 2011
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/22/2011
WATTERSON, Henry (1840-1921) He fought for the Confederate States of America under General Nathan B. Forrest during the American Civil War, and edited a pro-Confederate newspaper, the Chattanooga Rebel. He later founded the Louisville Courier-Journal and also served part of one term in the United States House of Representatives as a Democrat. War-date Confederate Autograph Letter Signed "Henry Watterson" 2pp. quarto, Marietta, Georgia, October 15, 1863 [?], addressed to General Leonidas Polk, and reads in part: "...I have been steering the Rebel, as you have doubtless observed, among the breakers of Bragg's wrath; and as the slightest indiscretion might mar a delicate, but perfectly defined programme, I have not felt it expedient to risk a day's absence from my post; hence my non appearance at St. Canton...I have twice forced to staltify my feeling and my judgment in the support of Gen. Bragg, I can do so no longer; and my mind once made up to open hostility, I can not go by halves. If all the presses of the country who fear to indulge more than a quaking paragraph now and then, would sustain me with boldness, but with dignity, the influence would be irresistible. We should soon see the end of a mad and bad man, whose imbecility and violent temper have so largely damaged us. I trust, my general, you will dismiss any apprehension of any attempt to make your good name and cause, the prop of a determined assault upon Gen. Bragg. I should blush did I think myself capable of seeking support beyond the bare issue involved in his want of capacity and his rapacious despotism..." More. Very good condition.
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