Description:

William Seward
Washington, D.C., May 6, 1850
William Seward ALS Giving an Autobiography, Recounts Schooling & Law Practice
ALS

A 1p letter signed "William H. Seward" in which he offers a biography of his life to a New York City autograph collector. Measuring 8" x 9.75", Washington, D.C., dated May 6, 1850. Within, then-Senator Seward happily recalls his college education, being admitted to the Bar, and practicing law in upstate New York. Exhibits expected letter folds and isolated soiling at edges; minor foxing present along top edge. Otherwise, very good. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from R&R Enterprises.

In full:

"In reply to your letter asking me for a page to write in your collection of autographs, to be filled with facts so little important as those which occur in my own history, I state, very cheerfully, that I am a native of New York, born in Florida, Orange County, May 16, 1801, was educated at Union College, Schenectady, was admitted to the Bar in Utica in 1822, entered upon the practice of the law at Auburn in 1823 and have resided there ever since. With many thanks for your kind opinions and generous sympathies…"

William Henry Seward (1801-1872) was an American politician who served as United States Secretary of State from 1861 to 1869 under Presidents Lincoln and Johnson, having previously served as governor of New York and as a U.S. senator. After losing the 1860 Republican presidential nomination to Lincoln, he nevertheless campaigned for his former opponent and was appointed Secretary of State for his loyalty. In the wake of the Civil War, Seward attempted to stop the Southern states from seceding, but ultimately devoted himself to the Union cause. His firm stance against foreign intervention in the War helped deter Britain and France from recognizing the independence of the Confederate States, thus making him a target in the 1865 assassination plot that killed Abraham Lincoln.

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" x 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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