[Civil War]. Set of Wilmot G. De Saussure Autograph Letters Signed to Francis Wilkinson Pickens. Includes: 1) Four pages of a bifolium, 7.75" x 9.75", Charleston, [South Carolina]; January 17, 1862. Lengthy letter in which de Saussure thanks Governor Pickens for his confidence in his abilities and conveys a series of recommendations concerning the defense and governance of South Carolina. At the time of this letter, de Saussure held a number of significant military and political appointments in the state, including brigadier general of the South Carolina militia, representative in the South Carolina General Assembly, and Secretary of the Treasury. He writes, in part: "... I propose to make up the accounts fully, accounting for all the vouchers and make a full report to you in order that you may submit it to the next session of the General Assembly as a full account of your stewardship. To do this it is necessary that there should be as full a settlement with the Treasury Department at Richmond as practicable, in as much as what is not embraced in the appropriations made for the defense of Charleston Harbor... The appropriation of There hundred thousand Dollars authorized at the Extra Session of the General Assembly has been fully expended and as early as possible I will send you the Account book with all of the vouchers..." Signed, "Wilmot G. De Saussure." Together with: 2) Just over two pages of a bifolium, 8" x 9.25", Columbia, [South Carolina]; January 25, 1863. In this letter addressed to the now-former Governor Pickens, de Saussure discusses Pickens' resignation and the actions of the Executive Council, which was in power for the final portion of Pickens' administration. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex and convoluted nature of war-time governance in the ever-tumultuous South Carolina. Docketed. De Saussure writes, in part: "... By a perusal you will perceive that you were almost prophetic in foretelling the angry feeling which would arise from the course pursued by the Convention relative to the Executive Department. If my memory serves me right, in my reply to this letter I expressed the opinion that the then silence of the State and of which you speak, was no evidence of acquiescence upon the part of the Citizens, but was rather the silence which preceded a storm: the answer is doubtless among your papers. May I ask that when you have made such use of the letter send you as you may see proper, you will return it to me. It is from letters such as this that true history is written, and the vindication which one who filled so prominent a historical position as yourself is to be found in the expressions by such actor in his private letters. I desire therefore to keep the original as truly expressing your views, and of the patriotic spirit by which you were actuated when submitted to what you believed so great a violation of the Executive. The fierce temper arising from the creation of the Executive Council, of which you saw the indications in the speeches and actions of both Branches of the General Assembly, has not abated. Whenever the action of the Council is spoken of, it leads to an exhibition of this temper..." Condition: Amateur tape restorations to two pages of 1863 letter; toning from tape repairs visible on other two pages; minute scattered foxing. Archival tissue repairs to folds of 1862 letter; minute scattered soiling. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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