1861 Manuscript Letter – Super Political News and Views

Description

1861 Manuscript Letter – Super Political News and Views
Offered for your consideration is an interesting, politically charged letter, penned the day before Abraham Lincoln’s inauguration. Written to the “
Hon John Carey
”, an Ohio Congressman, on “
March 3
rd
/61
”, this letter begins with the news that “
Yours of the 16
th
ult was brought to my bed chambers at mid knight after its arrival at the post office _ so anxious ware the Boys to hear what Juge Carey would write from the capital of this disorderly country _ what ever our hopes of some good tidings mite have ben … The heart & the hope fell back into that feeling of dis pondency that pervades the mind when hope has departed … I think it was the general belief until recntly that some angel of peace and mercy would find its way to the hearts of men who for the time being rul the country _ But every proposition that I have seen from the South is such as none but men prepared to be Slaves can posably accept …
”. This is followed by a strange anecdote, leading to several statements that “
… Every compromise that I have seen demands that the protection of slave property in the Territories and the rite of protection in trancit in the free states which would in the end result in the permanent establishmen shal be as much the care of the government as the warranty in real estate or the protection of commerce _ These are concesions that never can be made on our part _ No sir I have seen nothing from the other side that is even a entering wedge for a peacible adjustment of the troubles …
”. He observes that “
… one of the great wants of the times seems to be a leader or in other words some man of sufficient influence to control the minds of others _ The ilustrious names that once calmed the storm have pased into history and however potent there warnings and admonitions have ben in other times _ they are lost in the great scramble for leadership _ This is the Era of demagogism in which ambicious men hope to wright there names high up in history … the age in which we live as the men embibes a taste for strong drink he cannot live without it _ so the people have ben fed on fiction so long they wont live without it …
”.
He then talks of the resolutions of the Virginia legislature and their probable reception in Washington. He continues “
… young America is Sick and for aught I know is Sick to death and She has got sick on the medison of Quack doctors … The people are anxious to hear evry day from Washington and from the South _ but you know the sources of infermation are of a partizen charecter and men talk and act accordingly. Bad felings are alreddy being engendered in chirches and amongst neighbors _ where all this commotion will end the Lord only knows …
”. The writer is somewhat envious of the recipient, as he says that “
… I wish I could be in Washington on the 4
th
of March you will have a great time then _ But I hope for the Best. If Lincoln is fortunate in his movements and policy it will do verry vrry much to give peace to the country _ and I believe that is what the disturbers are a fraid of _ If he and his friends Should strike that line of policy that would give peace to the country those disturbers of the country would be Buried beneath public contempt …
”. The letter is signed “
Yours truly G. W. Leith
”. The author of this interesting missive is probably G. W. Leith, a judge in Nevada, Wyandot County, Ohio, while the recipient, John Carey, was a member of the United States House of Representatives (the date of the letter was his last day in office). A very interesting and opinionated letter, written on the eve of Lincoln’s inauguration. It is also interesting that many of the ideas expressed in this letter sound eerily familiar to those heard in the news of today. A wonderful letter with super content.
The presently offered letter exhibits signs of period use and subsequent storage, as expected of a piece of this type and age. Toning is present across the entire surface, imparting to the paper a beige to light tan appearance. This toning is somewhat more pronounced along the folds and at the edges, with numerous darker stains scattered throughout the piece. As noted regarding the toning, several folds, both horizontal and vertical, are present (there are also a few on the diagonal), the lowest one causing the paper to separate on the first page (some of the other folds have weakened the paper). Minor fading to the writing is noted, though all of the text appears legible (the author’s handwriting is very poor, however). A blank area on the last page appears to have some type of glue residue adhering to it, interestingly, not adversely affecting any of the text. Accomplished in period iron gall ink on blue-lined white paper, this letter measures approximately 7⅞ x 12¼ inches (folded) and 12¼ x 15⅝ inches (unfolded). A great piece to add to any collection of Civil War letters, expressing as it does the feelings of this diehard Northerner.
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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.
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