Distinctive Civil War-era correspondence group consisting of a multi-page handwritten letter accompanied by an illustrated patriotic cover featuring a caricature of Jefferson Davis captioned “JEFF. AT MANASSAS, JULY 23,” produced by F.F.F. of Richmond, Virginia; the undated letter, attributed to a pro-Southern woman residing in California and written in the fall of 1861 shortly after the First Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas), offers a revealing Western perspective sympathetic to the Confederacy, combining personal observations with commentary that reflects Southern optimism following early war successes; the content, while largely domestic and social in nature, includes references to contemporary military movements and political attitudes, underscoring how news and sentiment circulated even in distant regions such as California; the pairing of a boldly graphic Confederate-leaning caricature cover with an extended, reflective letter enhances the historical significance, illustrating both propaganda and private expression during the war’s opening months, and presenting a scarce example of West Coast Southern-leaning correspondence tied to early Confederate morale. Pickup & Shipping: Free pickup in Gardnerville, NV. FedEx Ground/Home Delivery within the continental U.S.: $30 + 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing). Combined shipping available.
Well-preserved and structurally sound with expected mailing folds, scattered staining, and general age toning throughout; the letter pages remain intact and legible despite light ink softness and minor bleed in areas, while the illustrated cover shows even toning, slight edge wear, and strong, clear printed imagery; an attractive and representative example with solid visual and historical integrity.
The Estate of Professor Ronald H. Limbaugh (University of the Pacific) Director of the Holt-Atherton Pacific Center for Western Studies and Director of the John Muir Center for Regional Studies