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THADDEUS STEVENS, Letter and Free Frank

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Autographs

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ALS & Free Frank by Thaddeus Stevens

THADDEUS STEVENS, Leader of the Radical Republicans who demanded harsh treatment for the South during and after the Civil War.
Lot of 4 Thaddeus Stevens-related items, indicating his fervent anti-slavery position in the 1850s:
1. & 2. Autograph Letter Signed, “Thaddeus Stevens” in black ink, November 3, 1851, Lancaster, to Pennsylvania newspaper publisher Edward McPherson (1830-1895), later a two-term member of the House, 9.75” x 7.8”, one page, Very Fine. Includes original, free-franked envelope, franked by Stevens at upper-right. In part:
"...We are starting a big paper here with anti-slavery proclamations. How would it suit you to take charge of the leading editorials?... If you intend to pursue your legal studies you could still do that. We could advance you sufficient pay to clear your way..."
3. Also included is a draft letter, unsigned, sent by McPherson to Stevens, November 5, 1851, Gettysburg, PA, in reply to Stevens’ letter, mentioning that other local papers fail to follow Stevens' anti-slavery stance: "Neither of these papers is doing its duty in the present crisis... I stand where Sen. Johnston has planted himself... [it is] more fitted to strengthen Gen. [Winfield] Scott & the Whig party generally..."
4. Also included is a signature of McPherson on the back of a slip if paper from Stevens. Terrific content! (4 Items)

Stevens had previously practiced law in Gettysburg but moved to Lancaster in 1842, elected as a Whig to the 31st and 32nd Congresses, (1853) and from 1858 to his death in 1868. Ed McPherson was born in Gettysburg and in 1851 was editor of the Harrisburg American, which evidently he had just left. He became editor of the Independent Whig in Lancaster from 1851 to 1854, then the Daily Times in Pittsburgh. He was elected to Congress in 1859-1863, and was clerk of the House of Representatives, 1863-1875.

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