U.S. Congressman from Virginia

Confederate Congressman

Served on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson and was an aide to General J.E.B. Stuart!

Autograph Letter Signed

(1815-92) Born in Shepherdstown, Va., he graduated from Princeton in 1835. He served as U.S. Congressman from Virginia, 1859-61. Upon his resignation from congress, he was elected to the Virginia State Assembly in 1861. During the War Between the States he served in the Provisional Confederate Congress and the first Confederate Congress. He also served on the staff of General Stonewall Jackson who used Boteler as his congressional spokesman. A strong supporter of the President Jefferson Davis administration, he represented the interests of the Shenandoah Valley. He served on the Buildings, Indian Affairs, Printing, and Ordnance Committees. He was also an aide to General J.E.B. Stuart and was advisor to Virginia Governors' William "Extra Billy" Smith and John Letcher. He served on military court martial's in 1864. After the war he served in several government positions.

Autograph Letter Signed: 1 1/2 pages, 8 x 10, in ink, on imprinted letter sheet.

Department of Justice,
Washington, Feb. 12, 1886

Hon. Thos. Donaldson,
West Philadelphia

My dear Sir:

I take pleasure in introducing to you my friend James L. Stanton, Esq., late General Agent of this Department and a good Republican as well as a most accomplished gentleman.

Mr. Stanton has recently opened a law office in Philadelphia at No. 723 Walnut Street for the practice of his profession and from my knowledge of his reputation both professional and personal, I have no doubt but that he will take rank among the emminent legal lights of your city.

Anything that you can do in the way of courtesy &c for Mr. Stanton will be appreciated by him and at the same time esteemed as a personal favor to myself.

I am,
Very truly yours,
Alex. R. Boteler.

Light age toning and wear. Very fine.