Jeffn Davis, (Jefferson Davis, CSA President), one page LS, Aug. 4, 1856 letter as U.S. Sec. of War to 'John Bell, Commissioner on Naval Affairs, Senate', headed 'War Department, Washington (D.C.)', replying to Bell's letter regarding money paid for patent on ammunition shell in 1818, '...it is not known that Stevens ever took out a Patent for the shells', 7¾ x 9¾", some ink smearing at T. not affecting text or signature, otherwise very fine