A unique grouping of correspondence and agreements from Confederate agents in Europe, seeking foreign support for the Confederate States. This unique lot contains an agreement organizing a group of Confederate agents in Europe, as well as two important letters documenting their efforts to implement the Erlanger Bonds, which would prove to be the largest single source of foreign capital for the South. The group was led by Nathaniel Beverly Tucker (1820-1890), a notorious Confederate agent who would later be indicted for his involvement in Lincoln’s assassination while operating as a Confederate agent in Canada.

Grouping Features: 

1.) Agreement of Confederate Agents signed by Nathaniel Beverly Tucker. Paris, France, 18 March 1863. 2 1/2 pages, 4to. 

An excellent record of a meeting between Nathaniel Beverly Tucker and three additional Confederate agents, Pierre-Paul Pecquet du Belle, Count de. Berck, and Mr. Carteret, in which they clearly define the goals and responsibilities of the four key members within the organization. Throughout the document, signed in agreement by all four members on the 18 of March 1863, in Paris, it is proposed that:  

“...they form themselves into an agency to be called the Association Agency for the Transaction of Business with the Confederate States Government…." The objects of this association are as follows:

“1.    The negotiation of Bonds, obligations and all other businesses entrusted to their hands of the Confederate States Government, such as the purchase on commission ordinance, quartermaster and general stores and supplies for the several departments for said Government....”

“2.    The negotiation of the bonds of the several states, cities, corporations, and especially of the railroad companies within said states, the payment of interest on the same….”

“3.    The negotiation of the procurement of charters or concessions to companies for the purpose of the construction of new rail-roads and the establishment of lines of first-class steamers which have become necessary for the development and increase of direct trade and travel between the Southern States and the great ports of Europe….”

The document is continued with a description of the roles of each individual member within the organization. It is agreed that Tucker would return to the CSA while the other agents “…M.M. Tucker and Pecquet du Bellet of the Confederate States of America and Count de. Berck and Mr. Carteret of Paris” would remain in Europe.

The document is signed by all four members, affirming their agreement of terms. 

2.) Manuscript letter, signed by “P.B.” (Pierre-Paul Pecquet du Belle). Paris, France, 5 February 1863. 4 pages, 8vo. 

A signed letter from Confederate Agent, Pierre-Paul Pecquet du Belle (1816-1884), addressed to a gentleman by the name of “Bev.,” likely Nathaniel Beverly Tucker himself. Writing about advances in the association, Ballet writes: ”…Now that the Herlangers are in full operation with the CSA we might succeed in carrying out our contracts with the Government through them…The loan Mason is engaged in raising must be the one for two millions of Dollars….”

Though misspelled as “Herlanger,” Ballet references the banking House of Erlanger, which raised millions of dollars for the South in the form of high interest bonds backed by southern cotton. This loan was formally established in March of 1863, lending the Confederate States of America the large sum of 15 million dollars as a 7% interest-bearing bond issue. Known as “cotton bonds” it was an attempt at raising foreign capital to support the secessionist states, creating bonds that were convertible to cotton. Though the bonds depreciated as Confederate fortunes worsened, the agents and the Erlangers received large commissions when the bonds were sold, guaranteeing that their profits regardless of the outcome of the war.

3.) Manuscript letter, unsigned by Nathaniel Beverly Tucker. Paris, France, 13 February 1863. 4 pages, 8vo. Embossed initials to upper right corner recto read: “N.P.B”

An unsigned letter bearing the embossed initials of Nathaniel Beverly Tucker, discussing the details of financial arrangements to be made for his unnamed “friend” to journey to the Confederate States. Tucker writes: “ …Our friend de Barck…assures me that his interest will be clearly defined so soon as H agents who…procure the necessary funds for your expenses and your trip to the CS. It might be well …to authorize me to include [him] in the profits of this new partnership…I would abstain from doing so if it was not actually necessary to carry the victory.…”

This cordial letter, written from Paris, also mentions the funds being contributed to the association, noting that they “have no idea whatever of the amount engaged or the condition agreed upon. All they know is that the business is concluded favorably.” Tucker goes on to mention, rather ambiguously, other players in their operation, and the general successes of their current endeavors. 

An intriguing letter, highlighting the ongoing communications of Confederate agents. 

An exceptional grouping detailing the attempts of the Confederacy to gain support from foreign allies. 

[Civil War, Union, Confederate]  [Manuscripts, Documents, Letters, Ephemera, Signatures, Autographs]