Description:

Francis P. Blair
Silver Spring, MD, August 25, 1861
Francis Blair Civil War Dated ALS to Granddaughter
ALS
Francis Preston Blair Sr. (1791-1876). Autograph Letter Signed, "F.P. Blair", 3pp bifolium, 5" x 8", Silver Spring, Maryland, August 25, 1861. Expected mailing folds and creases, with minor loss and separation at same. Minor toning and ink show-through. Overall, in near fine condition.

Blair pens a lengthy letter to his granddaughter, Violet, who was named after her grandmother, Eliza Violet. In part:

"I thank you for your pretty little letter. I really believe you will be the best writer in the family. I have not a grandchild who has ever written to me such a pretty note...the finely adorned contrivance you sent to keep my pen in order, I take as an admonition that I should take more pains with my scribbling and I think I will, as I have a present of the same sort from Betsy and Christine & you - Betsy gave me a black star, Christine a black cat. Yours is a black slipper...Tell your Aunt Lizzie that Mr. Fox won't let Commander Paulding have your Uncle Phil to help him with his navy yard, but means to give him a steamer to manoeuvre the Pirates with...several picket guards stand on the roads round the Moorings & Silver Spring & for each and every direction for the purpose of watching the enemy or rather to prevent their coming - McClellan has decided to fortify the whole city round from the falls to the Eastern branch...Tell your dear mother that we long to see you around here again when the defenses are completed or the enemy driven away which I hope will be before winter."

Blair was an American journalist, newspaper editor, and influential figure in national politics, advising several U.S. presidents across party lines. His wife, Eliza Violet Blair (1794-1877), was also a journalist who helped to build her husband's career. Together, they managed the Washington Globe, which served as the primary propaganda instrument for the Democratic Party, and was largely successful. A longtime Democrat, and in opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Act, Blair helped form the Republican Party in the 1850s. Despite being a slaveholder from Kentucky, he eventually came to oppose the expansion of slavery into western territories. Blair served as an advisor to President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. His home, Blair House, also known as The President's Guest House, is located across from the White House. Constructed in 1824, it is now used to host visiting dignitaries and other guests of the president, and has been called "the world's most exclusive hotel".

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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