Autograph letter signed by John Williamson Palmer (1826-1906). New Haven, Connecticut, 19 August 1886. 1 page, 8vo.

WITH Stonewall Jackson's Way, autograph manuscript signed by Palmer. 3 pages, 8vo. 

BOUND TOGETHER in custom one-quarter red morocco with marbled boards. 

An elegantly presented fair copy of John Williamson Palmer's enormously popular Confederate ballad, Stonewall Jackson's Way, together with a presentation letter from Palmer. 

The letter expresses gratitude and Palmer's willingness to share a copy of "Stonewall Jackson's Way," which, he remarks, "Whatever may be the good or bad points of the song, it has certainly had a romantic history." Confederate sympathizer Palmer claimed to have written the song while overhearing the Battle of Antietam in 1862.  

Although the recipient is unnamed, the postscript may offer some clues: "I do not know the Southern Historical Society Papers, but would like to get them. Will you kindly inform me how they are issued and whom I must address." 

Founded in 1869 by Confederate Major General Dabney Herndon Maury (1822-1900), the Southern Historical Society was organized to preserve archival materials related to the Confederate States of America. In addition to Maury, several other prominent Confederate generals were involved in its leadership, including Braxton Bragg, P. G. T. Beauregard, and Jubal Early. They began publishing their journal, the Southern Historical Society Papers, in January 1876, featuring contributions by prominent former Confederate soldiers, politicians, and civilians. 

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