47048: Jefferson C. Davis Signed Carte de Visite. 2.25"

Jefferson C. Davis Signed Carte de Visite. 2.25" x 3.75", a seated portrait in uniform, with an E. & H.T. Anthony, New York backstamp on verso. Signed below the image: "Jef C Davis." With an orange 2 cent George Washington stamp on verso, along with an extensive military history written in pencil by an unknown hand. Jefferson Columbus Davis (1828-1879) had been stationed at Fort Sumter in April 1861 when it was bombarded by Confederate forces. He was promoted to captain and helped raise a regiment in Indiana. After the death of General Nathaniel Lyons at Wilson's Creek, he was promoted to colonel and given command of the 22nd Indiana Infantry. He served with distinction at the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862, earning him a further promotion of brevetted brigadier general. However, following the Siege of Corinth, Davis suffered from exhaustion and had to take a leave of absence. Upon returning to the army, Davis was put in charge of organizing the citizens for the defense of Louisville, but soon became embroiled in a dispute with General William "Bull" Nelson. Feeling that Nelson had insulted him, Davis demanded an apology, but when none was offered, he procured a pistol and shot Nelson. Davis was arrested for murder, but was soon released without a trial or any real punishment (in part because the Union could not afford to lose experienced field commanders). He continued his service in the Union army, commanding the XIV Corps until the end of the war. Condition: Light wear to the corners, with minor soiling and scratching in places. Minor paper loss and adhesive residue on verso. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved