Autograph letter signed by Judah P. Benjamin (1811–1884), dated July 5, 1871. One page, 4.75" x 5.25", written from Temple, London. Benjamin writes a warm social note inviting an acquaintance to spend an evening together in London, assuring them it will be free from “late hours or undue dissipation.” Boldly signed “J. P. Benjamin” at the conclusion.
Judah Philip Benjamin, QC (August 11, 1811 – May 6, 1884) was a lawyer and politician who was a United States Senator from Louisiana, a Cabinet officer of the Confederate States and, after his escape to the United Kingdom at the end of the American Civil War, an English barrister. Benjamin was the first Jew to hold a Cabinet position in North America, and the first to be elected to the United States Senate who had not renounced that faith. He successively held the Cabinet positions of Attorney General, Secretary of War, and Secretary of State of the Confederate States of America.
Benjamin fled to England after the Civil War, where he built a distinguished legal career and was widely respected in British legal circles. His autograph material is scarce and sought after, particularly letters from his London years.
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