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Polk, James K

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Polk, James K
Polk, James K. Autograph letter signed as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, 3pp, folded sheet with integral address leaf, 9¾ x 8", Columbia (Tenn.), May 11, 1835. Marked "private & confidential." To Samuel H. Laughlin, editor of the pro-Jackson newspaper, the Nashville Union, regarding a letter written by Speaker of the House John Bell, Polk's long-time rival, to the Nashville Republican, denying that he opposed President Jackson. Jackson had made it clear that he wanted Martin Van Buren to succeed him as President, but many southern Democrats, Bell among them, sought the nomination of Hugh Lawson White.

Polk writes in part: "The last Republican containing Mr. Bell's letter was received here last night. It is doubtless intended to be the precursor of a controversy, an object of which is to force Johnson to publish the correspondence and thus make him and us the assailants. This Mr. B. no doubt thinks would give him some advantage. If it be published…(it must be sooner as later) it is important that he and not Johnson should be found to bring it forth. He will then be the assailant and cannot complain that he is attacked. The allusion which he makes…is most disingenuous & unjust to me…." Polk gives a detailed review of the back and forth in the Nashville press during the preceding year and asks Laughlin's advice on the proper response to Bell's attack. He ends with, "Burn this letter as soon as read." Seal tear in margin of holograph address leaf affects three words in letter; overall toning, else very good.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.

Our item number 150894