Lot 499
Sergeant, John (1779-1852) Staunch Federalist, 1832 Republican candidate for Vice President, Congressman from Pennsylvania. A close friend of Nicholas Biddle, Sergeant was a chief legal and political advisor to the Second Bank of the United States.
Autograph Letter Signed ("John Sergeant"). Four pages with integral leaf, quarto, Schooley's Mountain, New Jersey, August 22, 1840. To Robert Winthrop, Stephen Phillips and "others." Mailing folds and a small amount of mounting residue on left edge of last page. Else fine condition.
Expressing regrets for his absence at the Convention of the Whigs of Massachusetts (to be held at Bunker Hill), Sergeant proceeds to discuss the American Revolution, the evils of the spoils system and the outstanding character of William Henry Harrison. The oratorical tone of the letter leads us to believe Sergeant meant this letter to be read aloud at the Convention and he pulls out all the stops as only a career politician can: "…The spot chose for the assemblage is worthy of the occasion and with becoming reverence for the deeds there done in the cause of independence and freedom., let me add, the occasion is worthy of the ground consecrated by the blood of patriots…The people will right themselves.They will have their own good, old, Republican constitution as it was expounded and administered, for the general welfare, before the 'spoils' system was established, and its kindred doctrine of 'rewarding friends and punishing enemies' avowed, as the means of supporting Executive usurpation. There is no doubt that these abuses have had an alarming measure of success…they carried the "Independent Treasury,' against the manifest sense of the Country, and seemed to have gained strength enough to carry any measure…they must be taught to understand, that government here, is a trust for the people, and not a thing for the ease, convenience and enjoyment of those to whom its powers are confided…in this struggle, we have a leader, of our own free choice, worthy of our cause…General Harrison…We know him by his deeds. He has a true heart for his country…our Country will be safe under his administration. I earnestly hope the Bay State will be with us, in all her strength…"
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
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