DAVIS, Jefferson (1808-1889). Autograph Letter Signed. ?2d Aug. 71." 1 ? 8vo pages on one 8vo leaf on plain laid paper. Addressed ?Dr. M. Davis / My dear Sir:". Signed ?Jefferson Davis" on p. 2. Approximately 7 ? x 5". 1 vertical and 1 horizontal folds, some toning, rubbing, two small areas of tape residue on p. 1 at left margin. Very good. ?Enclosed pleas fine the papers [?] in regard to the Postage Stamps. You will see that the Inventor [?] offers carte blanche as to terms, + I thought he should have half and any one who would take the invention in hand and push it through should divide with me the other half? So [?] truly yours Jefferson Davis". It is unclear who the ?inventor" is that Davis refers to, but it is possible that the inventor is Ben Montgomery, a former slave of Davis' who invented a new propeller for navigating shallow water (Davis had tried to patent the invention under his own name but was denied). From the renowned personal collection of Dr. George D. Lacy. Measurements: 7 ? x 5".