LOT Nate D. Sanders, Inc.  /  Nate D. Sanders Entertainment, Sports and Presid...  / 

1045

1868 Letter on Alaska Purchase & Ulysses S. Grant -- ''...Grant has said nothing on the...purchase o

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia Start Price:250.00 USD Estimated At:250.00 - 375.00 USD
1868 Letter on Alaska Purchase & Ulysses S. Grant -- ''...Grant has said nothing on the...purchase o

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2014 Apr 29 @ 17:00 (UTC-07:00 : PDT/MST)
Location:11901 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90025, United States
Interesting letter by former Indiana Congressman William H. English regarding General Ulysses S. Grant's position on the purchase of Alaska. Although Secretary of State William Seward negotiated the purchase of Alaska in 1867, Congress didn't appropriate funds for a year due to horrible relations between itself and President Andrew Johnson, ultimately leading to impeachment proceedings. The ''Matter of Alaska'' was revived in June 1868 after Johnson's impeachment trial, and this letter, dated 15 June 1868, touches upon the renewed momentum. English writes to a Mr. Volke: ''...Genl R [Lovell Rousseau] was out, but I discussed the Matter of Alaska...with the rest of the staff and they all say that Genl Grant has said nothing on the subject of the purchase of Alaska, and that Mr. Washburne of the Mining Com. is not E.B. [Elihu B.] Washburne but C.C. [Cadwallader C.] Washburne. I suggested that I thought the impression produced by Genl Grant's enemies that he was against seclusion, should be counteracted in some way, and I think it will be done...W.H.E. / I shall see Genl R. tomorrow.'' Although General Grant served under President Johnson, he often disagreed with the Commander in Chief and maintained an uneasy balance between serving him and not alienating Congressional Republicans. As the most popular man in the country at this time, Grant's support of the Alaskan purchase was critical to its success, and funds were ultimately appropriated in July 1868. Letter is written in brown ink on two 4.75'' x 8'' sheets. Folds and light pencil marks throughout; very good condition.
Sign In to Bookmark Lot