Description:

Daniel Webster
n.p., n.d. but ca. 1852
Daniel Webster Signed & Dedicated "New York Historical Society" Address
Signed Phamplet
A presentation pamphlet signed and inscribed by New England politician Daniel Webster (1782-1852) as: "For the Revd. Dr. Kendall; / With my highest regards / Danl. Webster" at the top edge of the front cover. N.d. but ca. 1852. N.p. The pamphlet is entitled: "An Address Delivered Before the New York Historical Society, February 23, 1852, by Daniel Webster" (New York: Press of the Historical Society, 1852). With beige softcover wraps. Expected wear including gentle wrinkles, toning, and isolated staining to the covers. The front cover is mostly separated along the binding, but is still attached. Bright pages within with scattered minor foxing. Else near fine. 5-57pp. 5.75" x 9." 8vo.

Webster spoke before members of the New-York Historical Society nearly 50 years after its creation to reaffirm its purpose: to serve as an important institution safeguarding storytelling and historical preservation. The New-York Historical Society had been organized by an 11-member committee on December 10, 1804; its founders were dedicated to creating New York's first-ever museum. In the pamphlet, Webster demonstrates that, though not a historian, he appreciated many best practices enshrined by the profession today: collecting facts and presenting accurate accounts; undertaking diligent research; and connecting the past to the present for some purpose, often instructive.

Webster wrote in part:

"Well written history must always be the result of genius and taste, as well as of research and study… It is not far from truth to say, that well written and classic History is the Epic of real life. It places the actions of men in an attractive and interesting light. Rejecting what is improper and superfluous, it fills its picture with real, just, and well drawn images.

The dignity of History consists in reciting events with truth and accuracy, and in presenting human agents and their actions, in an interesting and instructive form… The historian is an artist, as true as other artists are to nature, and, though he may sometimes embellish, he never misrepresents; he may occasionally, perhaps, color too highly, but the truth is still visible through the lights and shades…" (5-7).

Webster dedicated this signed pamphlet to Reverend Dr. James Kendall (1769-1859), the longtime pastor of First Church of Plymouth in Massachusetts. A Harvard graduate, Kendall was ordained as pastor of First Church in 1800, and preached there and in neighboring parishes until 1852. Webster had delivered one of his most famous addresses at Dr. Kendall's church: his December 22, 1820 speech celebrating the 200th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims on Plymouth Rock.

Daniel Webster was one of the most revered politicians, lawyers, writers, and orators of his day. The Dartmouth College graduate represented New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress before serving as 14th and 19th U.S. Secretary of State under the Harrison, Tyler, and Fillmore administrations. Webster's influence was secured during the 1830s, when he represented the Northern voice of the so-called "Great Triumvirate," along with Western mouthpiece and Kentucky Senator Henry Clay and Southern spokesman and South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun. He died just eight months after delivering this oration, in late October 1852.

The New-York Historical Society is still in operation today, with its collection of artwork comprising 1.6 million pieces alone. Its museum and research library contain works on paper, sculpture, paintings, antiques, folk art, ephemera, photographs, and historical artifacts.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 5.75" x 9"
  • Medium: Signed Phamplet

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

January 29, 2025 10:00 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000