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Private, Confidential James K. Polk ALS with "Burn this"

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Historical Memorabilia Start Price:0.00 USD Estimated At:2,000.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Private, Confidential James K. Polk ALS with  Burn this
Private, Confidential James K. Polk ALS with "Burn this" (1795-1849) 11th President of the United States(1845-1849). Autograph letter signed as Representative for Tennessee, 2pp (recto/verso), Murfreesborough, Oct. 2, 1835. To an unidentified correspondent, headed "Private & confidential" and ending "Burn this," a directive that was obviously ignored. Written during Polk's 1835 battle for House leadership, a battle he had lost in 1833 to fellow Tennessean John Bell. In part: "…I have seen Col Saml. Mitchell, who wishes you to impress on Mr. [John] C[alhoun] when he comes out, not to seem too anxious--at first. He suggests that he might first seek employment as a journeyman &c. Mitchell is of opinion that by acting prudently he will succeed. He is very anxious that he should do so, and Mr. C. may rely upon Mitchell & others as friends who will be ready to render prompt assistence if need be….I write you this…in the event Mr. C. has not set out, you may see him before he starts…I have that Judge Kennedy & Byrum have had a difficulty….I will start home this evening, and will be in Nashville on Monday evening….Burn this." Accompanied by an engraving of Polk. He served as Speaker of the House from 1835 to 1839. Very good; a few archival fold repairs, minor tipping remnant, and light soiling. Boldly penned and signed.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.

Our item number 150230