Lot 83
Polk, James K. Addressed on the fourth page. Tennessee had passed a new constitution two weeks before, and Andrew Jackson, Polk's political mentor, was under fire in Washington by the newly formed Whig Party, and by Clay and Calhoun and the Senate, for having closed the National Banks, so Polk, who had recently lost a bid to become Speaker of the House (he was later succesful), was kept particularly busy, and, because of his closeness to Jackson, he came under fire from the press. The mention of the Rail Road Convention is interesting because it had nothing to do with transportation, but rather referred to a kind of political assembly. The first such convention was held in Tennessee and is the one referred to in the press.
An excellent content Polk political letter involved with charges by the Tennessee press against Polk, owing to his closeness to Andrew Jackson, who was coming under fire for closing the national banks. 11th President of the United States, 1845-1849.
Autograph Letter Signed.Three pages, Quarto, Columbia, Sept. 11, 1834 to Col. Samuel H. Laughlin of Nashville, saying he was sorry to have missed Andrew Jackson, and that all the controversies in the newspapers should not mislead anyone into thinking that he is in any way changing his stand on the issues. He also mentions a "railroad convention."
"… I regret that I could not visit The Hermitage with you before the President's departure, on more counts than one. I desired much to have seen him. I hope you will not fail to come to our first Rail Road Convention on Monday. It is expected that Genl. Gaines and numerous other delegates, from the Mt. district and other parts of the state, will attend it. If this be so (of which I know nothing except from the statements made by the active men of the Rail Road project here) you would have an opportunity of meeting the leading men from different quarters; could compare opinions; and perhaps observe the intent of the press with which you are counted; and in this latter object I will not fail to interest myself. Besides if it is perfectly convenient to you to come I would like much to see you, and have much political talk with you. The time is close at hand, when the state must take her stand, and it is important that we should harmonize and act in concord, as I doubt not we will. As to the controversy which the Republican provokes with the Editor here I have already stated the ground I will occupy… Others may be uninstructed or instructed by their friends against charges with which I have had nothing to do, but it must not, shall not be at my expense. I think it not improbable that what they have suggested to you is true, that Hall did not write his article. I think it contains some internal evidence of the past, but I had not suspected the person whom you mention. If he was concerned with it I agree with you that it is to be regretted that he had not something else to do than to occupy himself in writing puffs & squibs for a newsspaper. I suspect that more than one or two have ben concerned in it. Time will show. The indirect assault on me, one perhaps that I would be justified in noting was most unjustifiable. I suggest to you, whether it would be departing from the ground you occupy to say that much, in some suitable manner. Lewis I understand has been preparing a reply to the Republican, which I am told will appear in tomorrow's paper."
Fine.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
|
| |
| Unsold |
