This letter was from the personal papers of South Carolina Governor M. L. Bonham
which were saved by an Officer prior to Columbia being burned by Union General Sherman
on February 17th, 1865.  We were able to purchase the best pieces from this collection
when they were auctioned off several years ago.

                                                                                                                                    “Ex. Dept. Columbia
                                                                                                                                                    Jany. 1/64

                                        W. C. Bee Esqre

                                             Charleston S. Ca.

                                                                 Dr. Sir:

                                                                             Your letter of the 19th which came to hand just as I was leaving this city – 
                                        to which I have not recently retd.

                                                                             On inspection of the Act I do not find a clause requesting me to apply to 
                                        the Confed. Govt. to exempt the ships from the obligation to carry out cotton on Confed. a/c.

                                                                             I am fully impressed with the importance of this State’s connection with 
                                        your Company and am exceedingly desirous of realizing for the State the benefits of the 
                                        association.

                                                                         You will perceive the Act confides much that is to be done to Mr. Furman in 
                                        whom I also confide that which is to be done by is jointly.

                                                                         As to the selection of such articles as I am deem most advisable to meet the 
                                        wants of the citizens & soldiers of the State I will say first here that in addition to the long 
                                        range funs supplied by you blankets, shoes, clothing, arms, ammunition & the usual 
                                        agricultural implements which we cannot manufacture, should be mainly the articles 
                                        imported on State a/c.

                                                                          I shall leave in the morning to be absent probably until Wednesday and 
                                        shall be much gratified to have an interview with yourself & Mr. Furman on any day after 
                                        that day if your time will permit you visiting Columbia or I shall be gratified to hear from
                                         you.

                                                                                 Yours Very Respectfully,

                                                                                                                         M. L. Bonham”

The letter is obviously Bonham’s personal retained copy; it is all in his hand.  It is written on the back of a blank South Carolina election return.  The letter is toned but in very fine condition and has great “character”.  A very important letter regarding the Confederacy’s “lifeline” – imported goods from England. 

#HC75 - Price $895