Judah Benjamin
Paris, France, January 6, 188[1?]
Judah Benjamin ALS Probably Dating From Aftermath of Serious Paris Tram Accident
ALS

A 2pp autograph letter signed by former Confederate cabinet member Judah Benjamin (1811-1884), as "J.P. Benjamin" on the third page. January 6, 1880 but almost certainly January 6, 1881 (more on that later.) Written at Benjamin's magnificent three-story mansion at 41, Avenue d'Iéna in the 16th arrondissement of Paris, France. Inscribed on laid watermarked paper. The second page and the outer leaf are blank. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds. Minor to moderate wrinkling and grubbiness along the right edge of the first page. A tiny closed tear is located along the bottom edge of the third page, not affecting the text. Else near fine. 5" x 8".

Benjamin wrote this letter to one "Mr. Barlow," giving him a report of his poor health in recent months. Benjamin states that he was recovering from a serious accident, the exact nature of which is not described, but which was probably the same well-documented Paris tram car accident that Benjamin suffered in May 1880. In this street accident, Benjamin had attempted to descend from a tram car in motion when he fell to the pavement and was dragged for some distance. His right arm was dislocated, his right shoulder blade broken, and he fractured his left forehead. Benjamin's hat probably saved him from a life-shortening blow; his recovery was incredibly painful and slow.

We strongly suspect that our letter describes the same accident, even with the obvious discrepancy that the letter is dated January 6, 1880. Benjamin writes that the accident had occurred "in May last," or, seven months previously, which would place the accident in May 1879, and we know this is not the case. We suggest that Benjamin may have written 1880 in error since it was only six days after the New Year. This would make our letter dated January 6, 1881, not 1880.

Our contention that the letter is really dated January 6, 1881 is further supported by examining other Benjamin correspondence of the same period. Our letter to Barlow closely resembles - in multiple salient points - a letter written by Benjamin to former Confederate President Jefferson Davis dated December 16, 1880. In that letter, Benjamin apologizes for the delay in his reply, refers to his accident, and writes that he had had "pains so acute that for months I could not get an hour's sleep without the aid of powerful narcotics." In addition, Benjamin wrote that he was only working parttime during his convalescence. Benjamin refers to all four of these same points in our letter to Barlow, which was probably written only about three weeks later.

In full:

"41 Avenue d'Iéna
Paris 6 Jany 1880 [1?]

My dear Barlow

Happy New Year to you + yours - I ought long since to have written to you, but I have had a terrible time since my accident in May last, not a single day free from pain - I am now nearly though not quite well, and I am promised by my Doctor entire recovery within a few weeks - I have done but half-work in my profession, but hope to resume full practice on my return to London on 10th inst -

I trust that you and all dear to you have begun the New Year in good health + spirits -

Ever yours truly
J.P. Benjamin

P.S. The barrel of apples arrived here in fine condition - are fully appreciated by all the family - many thanks -."

Most historians attribute Benjamin's eventual physical decline to the May 1880 traumatic tram accident, in conjunction with other age-related health conditions like diabetes and heart failure.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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