Description:

Erasmus Keyes ALS Re: American and French Politics

Autograph Letter Signed, "E. D. Keyes", 3pp, 8" x 9.5", San Francisco, December 18, 1883. Expected mailing fold, minor corner creasing, else Fine.

In this substantive and wide-ranging letter, Keyes discusses French and American politics and updates Louis-Philipe on fellow Civil War alumni. Keyes criticizes French republicans, whom he sees as pale in comparison to the republican founder of the U.S., "I met very few Republicans in France. I encountered many who assumed to be such, but who appeared to me like demagogues, infidels, and communists."

He moves on to discuss his political support of the then recently retired general, William Tecumseh Sherman, "Sherman is ambitious and excessively fond of public attention. While he was here I gave him a dinner at which I collected as many magnates as I could find within call." He goes on to list which major figures did attend and which refused. Interestingly, Keyes continues to refer to Louis Philipe as "your Royal Highness", even though he had given up his claim to the throne.

Erasmus Darwin Keyes (1810-1895) was a businessman, banker, and military general noted for leading the IV Corps of the Union Army of the Potomac during the first half of the American Civil War.

Louis Philippe d'Orleans (1838-1894) was disputedly King of the French from February 24-26, 1848 as Louis Philippe II, although he was never officially proclaimed as such. From 1861 to 1862, Louis Philippe served as a volunteer in the United States Army under General McClellan. His experience in the United States convinced him of republican ideals, and upon his return to France in 1871, he renounced his family's claim to the throne. In 1874, he began working on his "History of the Civil War in America", which he sent to Keyes in 1883. Keyes' letter is a response to this gift. 

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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