Autographs of the Confederacy notes that this is “an extremely scarce signature.”  Whiting entered the Confederate service as a Major of Engineers.  When he became a General he served with the distinction with Stonewall Jackson and finally ended up at Fort Fisher where he was wounded, captured and died of his wounds.  Our example has Whiting signing as Major of Engineers on February 23rd, 1861 from Montgomery, Alabama.  The document is on very thin tissue-like light blue paper.  It is in nice dark ink but the acid in the ink has made several holes in the paper.  The document measures 6 ½ x 8 inches and is a “true copy” that Whiting has made for Jefferson Davis.  



                                                                                                      “Montgomery, Ala.
                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                      February 23rd, 1861
                                Hon. F. W. Pickens, 

                                            My devoted Sir,

                                                                              This will be presented by Major Whiting, a 
                                  
                                    Military Engineer who possess my entire confidence and who will

                                  examine the works of Charleston Harbor as heretofore agreed upon

                                   between us.  When I receive the report of Major Whiting, you will 

                                   hear further from me - in the mean time I am very truly respect. 

                                   & truly yours,

                                                        "Signed" Jeff Davis

                                  True copy Wm. H. Whiting
            
                                              Maj. Engineers


Obviously this is a very historically important piece.  It is too bad that the ink hole is right by Whiting’s signature.  The “H” (Middle initial) is gone.  However, the signature can still be made out clearly and there is no question that it is his… 100% guaranteed.  This document could be given to a conservation professional and have the holes “filled in” for $200 or less.  We could have had that done but the overall appearance of the document for display is fine.  

The fact that President Davis is having Whiting “check out” the works of Charleston Harbor… with the ensuing firing on Fort Sumter in April makes this a choice piece for the upcoming 150th Anniversary! 

#D109 - Price $1,295