Jefferson Davis

LS signed “Jefferson Davis,” one page, 7.75 x 10, September 23, 1862. Letter to "the Senate and House of Representatives" at Richmond, in full: "I herewith transmit for your consideration a communication from the Secretary of War, covering an estimate 'to supply the deficiencies in the Engineering appropriations for Engineering purposes.' I recommend an appropriation of the amount, and for the purposes specified." In very good to fine condition, with a torn file hole to the upper left corner, and toning from prior display.

On October 9th, the Confederate Congress approved an appropriation of $800,000 to 'supply the deficiencies in the Engineer appropriations for engineering purposes.' The Confederate Corps of Engineers played a critical role in the Civil War by designing and constructing fortifications, bridges, roads, and defensive earthworks essential to Southern military strategy. Despite limited resources, they built formidable defenses such as those at Vicksburg, Richmond, and Petersburg, often using local terrain to their advantage. Their efforts greatly prolonged Confederate resistance, especially in siege warfare, and helped offset the Union’s superior manpower and industrial capacity.