[Civil War] Three ALS from Political Figures Everett, Seymour & Phillips

A group of three autograph letters signed by political figures in the lead-up to and during the American Civil War. The letters are written by Edward Everett, dated March 18, 1856, to President John Tyler; Wendell Phillips, dated January 11, 1860, to G.A. Ward Esq.; and Horatio Seymour, dated October 26, 1862, to an unknown recipient. The topics include a meeting with the president, key Western elections, and recent trials facing the country. All with flattened mail folds and varying degrees of toning and soiling. Mounting residue on verso top edge of Phillips' letter, with some staining. All with bold signatures. Overall very good.

Includes:
1. Edward Everett ALS "Edward Everett". 2pp of a bifolium, measuring 5" x 8", Richmond, dated March 18, 1856. Addressed to President John Tyler. In part: "…It would have afforded me much pleasure to meet you during my visit to Virginia & to express to you in person my high sense of obligation for the trust reposed in me during your administration. Trusting that Mrs. Tyler's improved health will soon relieve your anxiety…"

2. Wendell Phillips ALS "Wendell Phillips". 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 5" x 8", n.p., dated January 11, 1860. Addressed to G.A. Ward Esq., regarding the turbulent state of the country. In part: "I've read twice with keen interest, your criticism, & see how entirely we should agree on that critical hour of history. Those pilots saw the coming of the storm under which we are now standing with bare poles. Ambitious men gained an hour's success by planting toil for all coming generations. Let us welcome the battle & clear the field rather than leave the dregs for our children…"

3. Horatio Seymour ALS "Horatio Seymour". 2pp of a bifolium, measuring 5" x 8", Elmira, New York, dated October 26, 1862. Concerning recent elections, he writes in part: "…Our friends are raising up under the influence of Western elections. These elections have brought out the conservative sentiments of the People. I shall speak every day until election. In my opinion we are constantly gaining ground…"

Edward Everett (1794-1865) was an American politician, Unitarian pastor, educator, and orator from Massachusetts. During John Tyler's presidency, he served as U.S. Minister to the United Kingdom. One of the great American orators of the antebellum and Civil War eras, Everett is best remembered as the featured speaker at the dedication ceremony of the Gettysburg National Cemetery. He spoke for over two hours before President Abraham Lincoln delivered his famous two-minute Gettysburg Address.

Wendell Phillips (1811-1884) was an American abolitionist, advocate for Native Americans, orator, and attorney. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, Phillips attended and spoke at John Brown's funeral, but also sought to defend the South's right to secede. He and many other abolitionists believe that by allowing the Confederate States to leave, the U.S. government would be free to abolish slavery without opposition from the South. Nevertheless, when the attack on Fort Sumter occurred, Phillips proclaimed his "hearty and hot" support for the war.

Horatio Seymour (1810-1886) was Governor of New York and Democratic nominee for president in the 1868 election against Ulysses S. Grant. He served his first term as Governor from 1853-1854 and would not run again until 1862 when he won a close race against Republican candidate James S. Wadsworth. His second term was tumultuous, with the New York Draft Riots and his seeming opposition to giving soldiers votes.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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