Description:

Seward William

William H. Seward ALS to President Monroe's nephew & New York politician James Monroe

 

1p ALS inscribed overall and signed by future U.S. Secretary of State William H. Seward (1801-1872) as "W.H. Seward" at center. Written in Auburn, New York on November 2, 1835. The pale yellow bifold paper is blue-lined with blank interior pages. The last page is an integral address leaf also docketed at top. In near fine condition, with expected paper folds. Minor mounting traces on last page. Each page measures 7.75" x 9.75".

 

William H. Seward promoted college chum Lovell G. Mickles in this letter of recommendation to James Monroe (1799-1870), New York City alderman and nephew of 5th U.S. President James Monroe (1758-1831).

 

With untouched spelling and punctuation:

 

"Auburn November 2d 1835.

 

Dear Sir

 

Permit me to bring to your favorable acquaintance Mr. Lovell G. Mickles an old collegiate friend of mine. It is many years since I have seen him he having been a resident out of this state. From the report I have had of him I have no doubt he is now as when I knew him in bygone days a Gentleman of worth honor and respectability. Any attention you may bestow him will be gratefully appreciated by

 

Your friend + servant

W.H. Seward."

 

William H. Seward and Lovell G. Mickles met each other while attending Union College in Schenectady, New York. Seward graduated in 1820, while Mickles graduated a year later.

 

By 1835, Seward was already a well-established lawyer and New York state politician. He eventually served as Governor of New York between 1839-1842, and as a U.S. Senator between 1849-1861. He unsuccessfully campaigned as a Republican Party presidential candidate in 1860, but later served as U.S. Secretary of State between 1861-1869.  Seward resided in Auburn, New York, located deep in central New York near the Finger Lakes, after 1822.

 

James Monroe was likely named after his uncle, President James Monroe. A contemporary of Seward's, Monroe made his first foray into New York state politics around the same time. Monroe was appointed president of the board of New York City alderman in 1834, and later served in the U.S. House of Representatives and the New York State Assembly.

 

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