Description:

Pre-Civil War ALS "The idea that the Union is in danger is absurd...", With Content on Free-Soilers and Slavery

4pp, measuring 8" x 10", Washington, D.C., dated February 16, 1852. Written by an unknown author to his father, concerning a trip to Washington and meetings with various political figures. He goes into great detail about the stances people have concerning the expansion of slavery. The letter reads in part:

"…At our table are Senator [Salmon P.] Chase of Ohio a Free Soil Democrat - a man of great purity of character and solid talents…Then there is Ex. Gov. Cleveland whom I knew in New Haven. He too is a Free Soil Democrat…Opposite to me is Mr. [James Turner] Morehead of North Carolina, a Whig and an extensive slave-holder…To my left is Dr. Townsend of Ohio. He is an Englishman by birth…he is an out and out Garrison Abolitionist…I called with him on Grace Greenwood and had a very interesting time. She is a lovely woman and has more soul than all Congress after deducting the Free Soilers from the number. The idea that the Union is in danger is absurd and sensible men look upon it as a cry got up by miserable politicians to serve base and wicked purposes of their own…I saw that villainous Commissioner that sent poor Simms back to slavery in the gallery, this morning…There is reason for thinking the Democracy will be more divided in the next campaign than they were in the last. As Senator Chase says the Democrats seemed to have learned but little by their defeat and that they must undergo another. They seem bent on a pro slavery [illegible] like Buchanan…There is a new alliance forming i.e. between the North and West. It has been in times past between the South and West. Depend upon the power of the country is gradually passing from the hands of slave-holders." With flattened mail folds and light soiling. A few discoloration spots. Small separations starting at the fold edges. Overall very good.

Senator Salmon P. Chase (1808-1873) served as Governor of Ohio, an Ohio Senator, and sixth Chief Justice of the United States. He was an anti-slavery activist and in 1843, helped found the Free Soil Party. It was Chase who created the slogan, "Free Soil, Free Labor, Free Men." Sara Jane Lippincott (1823–1904) was an activist and author who wrote under the pseudonym, Grace Greenwood. She became one of the first women allowed to gain access to the Congressional press galleries and used the opportunity to advocate for women's rights and other social reforms.

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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