1860 Manuscript Letter – Interesting Political Content

Description

1860 Manuscript Letter – Interesting Political Content
Offered for your consideration is an interesting and opinionated letter regarding the political turmoil which was already beginning to divide the growing nation. It is written by the son of an Ohio congressman to his father and is dated “January 24
th
/60”. It reads (in part) “
… As you say I do sometimes say why does not Congress organize or rather wonder when they will organize … I have noticed evry thing relating to the procedings in Congress … I have thought I could notice from the start a manifest disposition upon the part of the Southern and administrative members in Congress or a good many of them to defeat an organization unless done upon terms that suited their notions upon the all absorbing negro question …
”. He continues prophetically by stating that “
… if a Republican should be elected speaker of the house or a Republican President be elected they would be in favour of disolution of the union, they ought to be put down. I think if the people would notice the procedings of the so called Democracy as represented by their representatives in Congress they would at once put them down ….
”. The remainder of the letter talks mostly of local and family business, though he does state that “
… I do hope you will succeed in electing Mr Sherman soon …
” (presumably John Sherman, a fellow Ohioan).
He also notes that “
… I am at Carey about once a week …
” (the town was named in honor of the recipient). It is signed at the conclusion “
… Yours most respectfully McD M Carey
”. Executed on blue paper in period ink. Though not very long, this letter does contain some very interesting ideas, particularly those about putting the representative down (what does that actually mean). His feeling that the Southern states would dissolve the Union was very prophetic, since within a year, several states had already seceded. Very interesting. A wonderful addition to any political or pre-Civil War letter collection.
As expected, the presently offered letter exhibits signs of period use, followed by years of storage. Toning is present across the entire piece, especially prominent on the back page (this obviously came in contact with other papers while the letter was folded). Light areas, where the color has been bleached out, can be seen throughout the letter, though this has not caused the loss of any of the text. Several folds are present, the central one causing the paper to weaken and split, with some minor loss of paper (this could be easily strengthened with archival tape if the purchaser chose). The contrast is average, with all of the text present (though the handwriting does make some of it difficult to read. Measuring approximately 7⅞ x 10 inches when folded, this three-page missive evokes some of the growing tension being felt within the United States just prior to the Civil War.
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Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA