Autographs
1850-Dated Autograph Letter Signed "William H. Seward" The Compromise of 1850 Political Issues Prove Divisive
WILLIAM H. SEWARD (1801-1872). U.S. Secretary of State under Lincoln, Negotiated “Seward’s Folly”; the purchase of Alaska from Russia.
January 17, 1850-Dated, Historically Important Political Content, Autograph Letter Signed, “William H. Seward,” 2 pages, measures 7.75" x 10", Washington, Choice Very Fine. Written to C. Woodman, Esquire, of Portland, Maine, this Letter reads, in full:

"I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your letter of the 12th instant in behalf of the Committee of Arrangements for a meeting to be held at Winthrop on the 29th & 30th, to which I desire to reply in a private rather than in a public way. The Advocates and Apologists for the late absurd attempt to farce the economy of the slave states to a sanction by the free states desire for obvious reasons to change the issue to one of Union vs Disunion. They set it down in their plan that I with others in Congress opposed to slavery would agitate the country, if not with a view at least with a tendency to Disunion. I have thought this an advantage I ought not to afford them. I have therefore abstained from addressing the public anywhere and any way even in my own state, while standing on the guard of freedom in my place here. If it were not egotistical I would add that an issue has been made up on my own conduct, upon which a public decision has been invoked. It is my earnest desire to leave that decision to be procured without any word of self defense or justification or excuse here or elsewhere. Will this explanation confidentially of my sentiments be accepted by the Committee, to whom I beg leave to tender assurances of my sincere respect and cordial sympathies.”

This historic Letter is housed in a special cloth hardcover slipcase for storage and presentation. Accompanied in the case by an engraved portrait of Seward, 5.25" x 7.5" (by sight).