America's history detective, Tom Lingenfelter, discoverer of the only true copy of the Declaration of Independence and the 'Birth Certificate' of the U.S. Constitution has uncovered another piece of history that provides insight into the mind of Civil War Confederate leader, Jefferson Davis. The handwritten post-war letter by Davis, dated March 21, 1885, is addressed to Mr. D.P. McDougal of Philadelphia, PA. In the 4-page letter, Davis states that the U.S. Constitution as written, supports the idea of slavery and goes on to outline passages validating his position.

Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) was an American statesman and the leader of the Confederacy during the Civil War. A former US Senator, he served as President of the Confederate States of America for the duration of its history. During his presidency, Davis took charge of Confederate war plans but was unable to stop the better organized Union efforts led by Abraham Lincoln. At the end of the war, Davis was captured and charged with treason. While he was not tried, he was stripped of his eligibility to run for public office. By the mid-1880s, Davis would change his views on the separation of the Confederate states and encouraged Southern states to be loyal to the Union.

Lingenfelter's Jefferson Davis letter is significant due to Davis' use of the United States Constitution to support the idea of slavery. A previous letter to Davis sent by McDougal, a student preparing for a debate on slavery, asked for Davis' thoughts on the subject. Among Davis' responses is his statement that "the Constitution recognized the institution of slavery and was a solemn agreement binding each and all of the States to restore fugitives from service or labor to their masters." He adds that while the word "slave" was not used, history sufficiently proves that it was in fact slaves that the Constitution was referring to. Davis' reply further suggests to McDougal that he read A.J. Bledsoe's essay, Liberty & Slavery, as well as the writings by the Revd. Dr. Stringfellow on the biblical authority justifying slavery and Davis' own Rise and Fall of the Confederate Govt.

Tom Lingenfelter, a investigative historian and collector, learned his 'trade' as a Special Agent for USA Counter-Intelligence. As president of Heritage Collectors' Society, he has authenticated and dealt in rare and historic documents for over 35 years. For more information visit www.heritagecs.com or e-mail him at Tom@heritagecs.com.

Price available upon request.