LS signed “Jeffer. Davis,” “William H. Seward,” and “J. J. Crittenden,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8 x 13, June 12, 1858. Letter addressed to Senators William Gwin of California and Henry Wilson of Massachusetts attempting to mediate a heated dispute which threatened to lead to a duel. In part: “The remarks of Mr. Gwin imputing unworthy motives, namely those of demagogism to Mr. Wilson, although general, certainly were objectionable and unparliamentary; and yet they by no means justified, or warranted Mr. Wilson in using the very opprobrious epithet with which he retaliated, Mr. Gwin’s rejoinder in contentious terms is to be regarded as a passionate expression naturally provoked by the offensive language of Mr. Wilson. We think, therefore, that Mr. Wilson ought to regard himself in fact as having committed the first real personal offence and therefore he should make such reparation as is now in his power.
We are possessed of the fact; which indeed is apparent on the face of the reported debate, that Mr. Wilson, in using the epithet employed did not impute any want of personal integrity or honor to Mr. Gwin, but merely reflected upon his course in legislation in regard to California which Mr. Wilson deemed extravagant and wasteful, although the expression is obviously liable to an offensive and dishonoring construction. With this disclaimer adopted by Mr. Wilson, we hold that Mr. Gwin is bound to withdraw the reproachful language in which he replied to Mr. Wilson. The disavowal required of Mr. Wilson and the withdrawal demanded from Mr. Gwin shall be deemed to have been made by them respectively when they shall have expressed in writing their ascent of this report.” Signed at the conclusion by Davis, Seward, and Crittenden, and also signed at the bottom of the second page by Gwin and Wilson, assenting to the letter. In fine condition, with tape reinforcement to hinge and blank second integral page and a bit of light toning.
Known for his haughty and somewhat dictatorial manner, William Gwin was a key figure not only in the establishment of California as a state in 1850, but also in the pre-war politics of the growing nation. One of the two first Senators of California, Tennessee-born Gwin was staunchly pro-slavery, and heavily involved himself in national political arguments regarding the issue. In 1858, when a small pro-slavery faction in the free state of Kansas used some legislative trickery to push through a bill protecting the rights of slave owners, infuriating free state advocates and most of the state’s citizens, Gwin became a strong voice for the bill. The Lecompton Compromise, as it became known, put the California Senator at odds with many, including Massachusetts Senator Henry Wilson. After a heated exchange and a series of 'unwarranted insults' between the two, likely over this contentious issue, Gwin challenged Wilson to a duel; refusing the challenge, the situation was turned over to a Senate committee—made up of Mississippi's Jefferson Davis, New York's William Seward, and Kentucky's John J. Crittenden—to decide the next steps. This document gives heed to indiscretions on both sides and calls for both to retract their words. A fascinating document signed by the two feuding senators, along with the distinguished committee, ironically working to prevent bloodshed; just three years later, the same men would find themselves on opposing sides in one of the bloodiest wars in American history. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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