JOHN
B. FLOYD. Autograph Letter Signed to Lily Macalester,
Washington, DC, 26 February 1858. 4 pages, 8" x 5". With original
envelope.
A future Confederate general, John B. Floyd was a Virginia attorney
who had already served in his state’s assembly and as Governor
when he was named Secretary of War by James Buchanan in 1857. A states’
rights, pro-slavery Democrat, Floyd was criticized in his administration
of the War Department for cronyism in the award of contracts and for
questionable payment procedures that led to corruption. Floyd resigned
in December 1860 during the secession crisis, and served as a Confederate
general until his death in 1863.
In this effusive letter, Floyd addresses a young woman whose father,
Charles Macalester, was a leading Philadelphia banker well-known to
both Buchanan and Floyd. She had evidently interceded with the Secretary
of War on behalf of a friend seeking an army post. Floyd first apologizes
profusely "for my remissness in answering your previous letters,"
explaining that "the press of official labor has denied me
the time of performing this the most pleasing of all my duties. I am
sure my dear Miss Lily you would be sorry for me...were you to witness
for a single day, the ordeal through which I pass. It seems to me as
if the fountains of the great popular deep have broken up & all
its currents are sweeping directly to the war department. A shower bath
under the falls of Niagara with the ice running would be a situation
of quiet & comfort compared to it whilst any hope for ‘the
new regiments’ exist....
"But
I offer not these reasons nor indeed any whatever as an excuse for my
most grievous offence," Floyd continues. "I hope
it may be in my power to serve your friend & I only regret I did
not hear from you upon the subject some weeks ago. One of the places
was filled last week whilst your letter was only received by me yesterday.
I will however find Mr. ______[?]’s letter on file & ‘when
found will make a note of it’ particularly on account of your
letter." He then expresses regret that he will not be able
to accept her invitation to visit in Philadelphia. He has signed, "John
B. Floyd."
The letter is in fine condition. It is accompanied by the original envelope
which is addressed by Floyd and which bears his free frank, although
the envelope is torn, removing part of the frank. $400.00
This
image shows pages 1 and 4 of the letter.
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