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194

John Tyler

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:8,000.00 - 10,000.00 USD
John Tyler

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Auction Date:2010 Jun 16 @ 10:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Bid online at www.rrauction.com. Auction closes June 16.

Remarkable ALS, signed “J. Tyler,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 10, dated June [18], 1856. Letter to Colonel John S. Cunningham in Washington, DC. In full: “I think that I said to you in my last letter that I have [sic, was] deliberating the question whether I should repeat my lecture for the benefit of the Mt. Vernon Association or not, upon a request to do so at Richmond on the 14 July and also at Lynchburg on such other day as I might select. If I did not do so in my last letter to you, it is proper for me now to state, that since the appearance of Mr. [John A.] Washington’s letter declining to sell Mt. Vernon (for so I construe that letter), I have indefinitely postpon’d all invitations from that association. I have also recievd [sic] invitations from the Library Association of St. Louis and the Lyceum of Poughkeepsie, but they are too distant from me and I have declined them.

Now my object in writing to you is in reference to the publication of the lecture – Thompson of the Literary Messenger has asked for it for his monthly, which you know is altogether devoted to litterature [sic] and proposes also to publish it in pamphlet form. I informed him of my intention to publish it in the Herald, but he nevertheless claims it. His claim I suppose rests in the ground 1st because he was the one who on behalf of the Ladies of Richmond requested its repetition at Richmond . 2dly that his periodical is the only one south and therefore entitled to any aid to be derived from its publication and lastly that as he and others were disappointed in having it repeated before them by no act of theirs, that Richmond is entitled to its first issue – I think I said to you, upon the then supposition that it would be delivered in Richmond, that if its publication should be asked for there I should be compelled to grant it and my object in writing to you now is to consult you upon the matter. Of course it is a small affair at best, and one that neither the public or myself take much interest in; but still I devise to consult all the proprieties, and therefore invoke your council.

My only object is to put in proper and enduring form a merited eulogy on those who assisted me so well in conducting public affairs at a time of much danger to myself. Is not this better accomplished through a litterary [sic] than a political journal? and in pamphlet form than any newspaper sheet – But still I am sensible to the kindness of Mr. Hudson in offering to publish it in the Herald, and also to the fact that its readers would be far more numerous – The Herald however is most full of interesting political incident which the southern periodical has to look to its contributors for aid. If then the Herald has space for it now, amid the stirring events of the day, would Mr Hudson object to transferring it from the paper of the Messenger in advance of the other political papers – If he would not, I would require Thompson to forward at the instant of issue, a copy to the Herald so as to ensure that point – Please write me without delay.

The doings of the Convention at Cincinnati prove acceptable to most of the people hereabouts atho’ very many were the advocate of Genl. Pierce. No man certainly could have more strongly manifested his devotion to the constitutional rights of the South, and his failure to recieve [sic] its entire vote arrises [sic] more from what appears to be a settled determination to limit the Presidential term to four years than to any thing else. We may set it down as quite certain therefore that no man is to fill the chair longer than four years. Many of the Old Line Whigs will vote for Buck and Breck. That is the new Tip and Tie firm.”

Reverse of second page bears an addressed panel in Tyler’s hand to “Col. John S. Cunningham, Washington, D.C.,” free-franked in the upper right, “J. Tyler,” and bearing a “Free” stamp and a June 18, Norfolk cancellation.

In very good to fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, scattered light spotting and textual smudging, light show-through from writing on opposing sides, and some light mounting remnants to reverse of second page.

This incredible handwritten letter carries a direct reference to the famed 1840 presidential campaign slogan “Tippecanoe and Tyler too” as the former chief executive notes that “the new Tip and Tie firm” is the 1856 Democratic ticket “Buck and Breck” (James Buchanan and John C. Breckinridge)––for whom “many of the Old Line Whigs will vote.” Many Virginians “were the advocate of Genl. Pierce. No man certainly could have more strongly manifested his devotion to the constitutional rights of the South...[it] appears to be a settled determination to limit the Presidential term to four years than to any thing else.”

Prior to that remarkable reference, however, Tyler discusses a plan involving the sale of George Washington’s homestead. In June 1855, John A. Washington had proposed selling 200 acres of Mount Vernon, including the mansion and burial site, to the State of Virginia for $200,000, but the offer was declined. Edward Everett was lecturing across the country on the character of George Washington with the proceeds of his lectures going into a fund for the purchase of Mount Vernon. Judging from the tone of this piece, it seems that Tyler did not approve of John Washington’s actions. This is perhaps the finest John Tyler letter in private hands mentioning one of the most well-known and important political slogans in American history!
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