Details:

Sidney Breese autographed two-page handwritten copy of an 1817 letter, penned entirely in his hand on both sides of a single sheet. Breese adds at the conclusion, "Copy made by me June 1st. 1844," followed by his signature, "Sidney Breese."

The original letter, dated City of London, December 20, 1817, is addressed to "Dear Brother Henry" and recounts a remarkable series of family events. The writer explains that the family had previously received word from Buenos Aires that Henry had contracted yellow fever and died within three days, causing the family to go into mourning, only to subsequently learn through letters from North America and Charleston that he was alive and in good health. The letter then informs Henry of the death of his uncle Frederick and an inheritance of £3,560 sterling together with one-half interest in a brick house at No. 260 Piccadilly. He is urged to return home quickly because another uncle, Philip, had taken possession of the property as the nearest heir in Henry's absence. The original letter closes affectionately from his brother, James Ker.

Very good condition with expected folds, overall toning, scattered ink spotting and staining, and minor edge wear.

Sidney Breese (1800-1878) was an American jurist and political figure who served as a United States Senator from Illinois from 1843 to 1849 and spent many years on the Illinois Supreme Court, including multiple terms as Chief Justice. An important figure in the early legal and political development of Illinois, Breese also served as U.S. District Attorney, circuit judge, and a member of the Illinois House of Representatives. As a senator he became an early and persistent advocate for a transcontinental railroad and was later closely associated with the development of the Illinois Central Railroad.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11615 1418867-1