Harmer-Schau Auctions

Sale 120


 
Lot 354



United States, James Buchanan Exhibit, Historical Letters, 1833 Political Letter by Washington Insider Duff Green, 3 page ALS from Duff Green, a member of Jackson's "Kitchen Cabinet" splitting from him in 1830 in support of Calhoun and later, Clay, strong States Rights advocate, sent to Charles Wickliffe, KY. Congressman (later PMG), July 8, 1833, content incl. opinions of Van Buren and how to elect a President in 1836, marked "Confidential," letter states in part: "The President's late trip to the north was a failure. Van Buren found it was for Webster's benefit and he was compelled to beat a retreat. Van is…disappointed in this move…He relies on party discipline and public patronage. His presses are out for a National Convention of the party & and he proposes to delay a meeting of that convention until the spring of 1836. The party must first be consolidated and pledged to act together. When that is done the entire patronage of the Government will to bring a majority into it who will nominate Mr. Van Buren. To consent to such a movement would be to ratify Mr. Van Buren's election and to place the power of appointing his successor in the hands of the President…The argument which will be urged in favor of a surrender of the choice of President into the hands of such a convention will be the objection to an election by the House. A National Convention is one step nearer to the people than the House of Representatives. How are we to deprive Mr. Van Buren of this appeal to the popular feeling? I propose to do this by going one step nearer to the people, or…go to the people themselves. I would amend the Constitution, limit the service to one term, give the choice to the people without Electors and in the case of no choice, I would send the two highest back for a second trial…The advantage to the South is that it gives them the control of the Election, and secure the South against the attempt to agitate the question of Slavery. If it is distinctly understood that the agitation of that question will deprive the candidate who my be in favor of Emancipation, of the vote of the South, it will always rally in our favor a strong northern interest, and having the Constitutional argument in our favor, we may promise ourselves quiet", much more, City of Washington cds and Free handstamp, small edge tears, stains on address panel, Fine. Partial of the content described.
Estimate $300-400.

 
Realized $518



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Penny Black

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