2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
SEMMES, Raphael (1809-1877) United States Navy 1837-1860. Confederate States Navy 1861-1865. As Commander of the Confederate ship "Alabama" he executed the mission to inflict the greatest injury to the enemy's commerce in the shortest time. Autograph Letter Signed, "R. Semmes" 4p. octavo, Washington, D.C., February 19, 1859, addressed to William B. Harwood, who was acting as his agent, possibly an attorney or overseer. It reads in most part: "... have received yours of the 14th inst., informing me of the conviction of my negro fellow Jake, of a burglary, which carries with it the penalty of death," he states. "I am satisfied that you have made every proper exertion to protect my interests, and to save the unfortunate and foolish negro from so horrible a fate. You are right in saying that this boy should not be hung. It would be an outrage upon humanity, to take the life in an ignorant, foolish negro, under the circumstances of this case. I do not believe him to be a vicious, wicked negro, who would knowingly commit a great crime. I purchased him in June last, and had him, in my family, & under my eye for three months & more. I found [him], unreliable in matters of truth, and tricky, but humble, and easily governed, and by no means badly disposed, except as above described...As you describe the case," Semmes continues, "I have not the least doubt, that he has been corrupted & seduced into the commission of crime, by the low, unprincipled whites - particularly the women - with whom, it appears, he was permitted to deal. If I conscientiously thought he was a fit subject for the extreme penalty of death, I would not, on principle, say one word in his behalf, but would be content, as every good citizen should be, to let the law take its course; but I am convinced, of the contrary, from my knowledge of character, and personal observation of this boy. I am glad that the jury and judge who tried the case, have recommended him to the mercy of the governor, who, being a just & humane man, will, I doubt not, pardon him. Should he do this, on condition of his being sold out of the state, you are hereby authorised to take him to New Orleans, and sell him to the best advantage. But, if there be no condition annexed, I would as life retain him & hire him out again, unless you think his habit of drinking too much is inveterate & not likely to be reformed...." There is a hinge strip along one margin of the last page, else near Fine. Letters from Semmes are quite scarce; rarer still are letters from any high-ranking Confederate discussing slavery in such detail.
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