Description:

Gideon Welles
Washington, D.C., various
Important Gideon Welles Archive Highlighted by Important Criticism of Monroe & W. Harrison after Removal from Office!
Archive
Gideon Welles and Connecticut-related archive highlighted by an important partial letter with incredible content written by Welles after his removal from the Postmaster position by President William Henry Harrison, along with five letters written to Welles during his tenure as Secretary of the Navy. Additionally included is a receipt for Welles's purchase of bread at the Washington, D.C. Marine Barracks Post Bakery, and two letters, one critical of James Monroe's administration. These letters are labeled in pencil as "Gideon Welles," though we cannot confirm with certainty that he is the author. Unfortunately, due to the lack of other available examples, direct comparisons are currently not feasible. However, the content is truly interesting. Also included in the archive is an incomplete "copy of minutes Secy State / 14 Dec 1865" related to the importance of securing naval stations in different parts of the world, primarily in Denmark and France. Please see our terms on larger lots. Further research into the entire archive is recommended, and it is available for review at our headquarters.

In 1826, after becoming a partner and editor of the Hartford Times, one of the first New England newspapers to support Andrew Jackson, Gideon Welles began serving in the Connecticut legislature as a Jacksonian Democrat, where he played a key role in expanding political rights by advocating for the removal of property and religious voting qualifications, supporting Jackson's anti-bank campaign, and promoting a general incorporation law; his organizational efforts for the Democratic Party in Connecticut led to his appointment as Postmaster of Hartford by President Jackson in 1836, a position he held until 1841 when he was removed by President William Henry Harrison. In this partial letter, Welles writes to Harrison's Postmaster General Frances Granger and complains of being removed in response to his anti-slavery views.

In part:

"…The right to do so I have never surrendered, nor has any officer, high or low, the right to demand that I should do so. My rights as a man and a citizen, I have never bartered for office. The two preceding administrations made no such requirement, nor can this administration be sustained on such principles, if such are intended to be promulgated.

After the repeated declarations of the President and Vice President, and most of the members of the present cabinet, of their opposition to the proscriptions of men on account of their political opinions, it cannot be supposed that an officer, holding an appointment at the will and pleasure of the Executive, at the heads of either of the Departments, would be removed on account of his politics—much less can it be supposed that the administration would so far trespass on the laws and the plainest principles of justice, as to interfere with and abridge a term of office, held under the faith of government and on the authority of law. An appointment made by the concurrent action of the President and the Senate, No, it would be unjust to the President—unjust to yourself, unjust to the whole administration, to suppose that I am removed on political grounds, for the supposition cannot be entertained without a conviction of violated promises, and forfeited pledges. Further than this—after the perusal of your note, it would be supporting the administration were bad enough to inflict an injury, without the courage or frankness to avow the true reason for their conduct, I cannot therefore suppose that my political opinions have led to this act, without placing the administration in a most degrading point of view. Moreover, your letter tells me that "the public interest will be promoted by a change of Postmaster at Hartford"; it makes no allusion to, or pretense that, my political opinions have led to this exercise of power."

Gideon Welles (1802–1878) was a prominent American statesman and journalist, best known for his service as Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War. His public career began in 1826 when he became a partner and editor of the Hartford Times, using the platform to support Andrew Jackson. That same year, he was elected to the Connecticut legislature, where he advocated for expanded political rights, including the removal of property and religious voting requirements. He also supported Jackson's anti-bank policies and promoted incorporation laws that lessened the need for special legislative charters. Recognized for his efforts in organizing the Democratic Party in Connecticut, Welles was appointed Postmaster of Hartford by Jackson in 1836, a position he held until 1841 when the Whig administration of President William Henry Harrison removed him. His most notable role came in 1861, when President Lincoln appointed him Secretary of the Navy, where Welles played a key role in expanding the Union Navy during the Civil War, continuing in this position until 1869. After his public service, he wrote extensively, providing valuable insights into the Lincoln administration and the Civil War. Welles died in 1878 in Hartford, Connecticut.

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: 8.5" x 11"
  • Medium: Archive

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