25041

Millard Fillmore Letter to Erastus Corning, 1856

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Millard Fillmore Letter to Erastus Corning, 1856
<B>Millard Fillmore Letter to Erastus Corning, 1856</B></I> An important content autograph letter signed, "Millard Fillmore," 4 pages, 4.75" x 7.5", Buffalo, December 5, 1856 to industrial and railroad magnate Erastus Corning imploring him to accept the nomination as Secretary of the Treasury in the incoming Buchanan administration. Fillmore, who was the Know-Nothing candidate for President in 1856, was soundly defeated in a three-way race only winning the electoral votes of Maryland. Licking his wounds, Fillmore hoped that his friend Erastus Corning could be his means to exert some influence in the White House. He writes in part: "Your kind favor enclosing a pass on the Central R. R. for 1857 came to hand... I know it must be a great sacrifice you to go to Congress, and I perceive by the papers that you may be called upon to make a still greater one, by being required to preside over the Treasury Department by the incoming administration. This is a matter upon which in a political point of view I should not feel justified in saying a word, but I trust that our private relations are such that I may instruct impropriety, appeal to your personality, in the strongest manner, to accept the appointment for the sake of our common country, should it be tendered, as I sincerely hope it may be. We want your practical knowledge, your industry, and above all your firmness and integrity a this time in that place. then we shall thus far have 'the right man in the right place' and I shall feel that at last one point and that a very vulnerable one, is made secure against corruption. I know you can not desire it. I know you can not take it without sacrificing much in a pecuniary point of view, and more in your case and comfort; but if we are to live in this country and maintain this free government, men in your position must make sacrifices... But I have said more than I intended; and I will conclude but not without repeating the hope that you will accept the Treasury Department if tendered, not for your sake but for the sake of the country..." But alas, Fillmore was wasting his breath, as Corning was unwilling to make the sacrifice. Instead, he assumed his post in Congress holding his seat for the term and serving another from 1861-3. Howell Cobb would hold the post of Secretary of the Treasury through most of Buchanan's administration. Besides the expected folds, this letter is in excellent condition, beautifully matted with a bust engraving of Fillmore. <I>From the collection of Bradley O'Leary.</B></I> <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>