Beschreibung:

Lot of 4. CDV of Varina Howell Davis, widow of Jefferson Davis. Inscribed to Mr. Frank Binns on verso and dated February 14th, 1903 (77 years of age). Plus mourning bordered calling card printed with "Mrs. Jefferson Davis." Manuscript note "with the kind regards of Mrs Binns' much obliged friend" and below addressed to Mrs. Binns. Varina's address printed as "The Gerard, 123 West 44th Street" (New York City). Varina Anne ("Winnie") Davis (1864 - 1898) ALS, 2pp (4.25 x 7 in.). Beauvoir, Miss. June 23d, 1883. To General Jubal Early. "Dear Sir and Friend, Our family sends two battle flags of immortales which you will oblige us by having placed upon the tombs of Generals Lee and Jackson as tokens of the respect and admiration which we cannot manifest by personal attendance." "This is the season here where the flowers rest from their spring labors, yet born as I was in Virginia, safely protected by Gen. Lee's good sword, I feel that something that grew at our home must be offered at the shrine of the men whose valour and genius made our country glorious and whose righteous lives added to their noble deeds in war, and no less in peace, made their names the precious possession of the whole Anglo Saxon race." "I send two bay wreaths which we may hope will reach you in better condition than flowers would be." "My Father and Mother unite with me in sincere regard and I am dear Sir, "Respectfully and affectionately Varina A. Davis." Accompanied by a brochure for "Winnie Davis Monument Unveiling (November 9th) 1899." 5 x 7.5 in. At Hollywood Cemetery (Richmond, VA). Inside it notes "This monument is erected by the Daughters of the Confederacy. The movement having been inaugurated by the Richmond Chapter and generously responded to by Chapters, Camps, friends, and admirers of Miss Davis, both North and South." Born in the South, in Natchez, Mississippi, Varina's nuclear family would have lived in poverty if not for the support of wealthy relatives. They also enabled the family to send her to Philadelphia for her education. There she attended Madame Deborah Grelaud's French School, which has been described as a somewhat unconventional girls' school (in American education, but more like French schools of the day). The young ladies were expected to speak French and studied a rigorous curriculum of history, philosophy, natural science, geography and more, rather than the more typical music, etiquette, needlework, etc. of so many schools for girls. While in the North, she got to know many of her relatives (her grandfather had been Governor of New Jersey). Even before the Civil War broke out she spoke out against secession. During Christmas in 1843 (at age 17) Varina went to the plantation of family friend Joseph Davis. There she met Davis' younger brother, Jefferson and became intrigued with this older man. Though still mourning his first wife, Sarah Knox Taylor, Jefferson Davis did ask permission to court Varina. Her family balked at first (there were differences, besides age, in politics and background), but finally consented and the couple was soon engaged. They married in early 1845 and moved to Brierfield, land loaned to Jefferson by his brother Joseph. Joseph was in control of much of the Davis family business, and this was especially true of the very young wife of his youngest brother. Jefferson was often away, campaigning, serving in the Mexican War, etc. Upon his election to the House of Representatives in 1846, the couple moved to Washington, DC, but Varina was returned to Brierfield during Davis' service in the Mexican War. She became so resentful of her treatment there that she initially did not join her husband when he returned to Washington to fill a vacant Senate seat after the war. She finally did return to the capital where she became the life of many parties as one of the youngest hostesses and guests in the political circles and the parties hosted by Southerners were especially lively. She liked the stimulation of the city an