Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
(800) 937-3880
SELL

Lot #16
Franklin Pierce

Franked envelope sending a well-preserved copy of his 1855 State of the Union address to dissuade a political rival

This lot has closed

Estimate: $0+
Sell a Similar Item?
Share:  

Description

Franked envelope sending a well-preserved copy of his 1855 State of the Union address to dissuade a political rival

Hand-addressed and free franked envelope, 9.75 x 6.5, addressed by Pierce to “Hon. Geo. M. Dallas, Philadelphia, Penna,” and franked in the upper right, “Franklin Pierce.” This envelope carried a printed copy of Pierce’s 1855 State of the Union Address, sent to Dallas, which is included. Reverse of the envelope bears a retained copy of a letter to Franklin Pierce in the hand of George M. Dallas (Polk’s Vice President), complimenting the President’s message. Letter reads: “You are kind enough to send me your recent Message in pamphlet form, and I must beg you to accept my thanks for the remembrance. My poor opinion is of little value: but as it has already been freely expressed, it may be repeated here. I do not think it possible to put on paper a more lucid and satisfactory view of the Cent American controversy than the one you have laid before the country. That exposition, connected with the unanswered became unanswerable reply of Mr. Buchanan to Earl Clarendon’s statement, makes a platform upon which, if the worst comes to the worst, the Nation, I cannot doubt, will, as Mr. Madison expressed it, ‘take an attitude and an armor’ cheerfully & firmly.” Some scattered light toning and soiling to envelope, a small tear to top edge through first letter of signature, and adhesive and paper remnants over portions of Dallas’s letter, otherwise fine condition. Once a political ally of Pierce’s, Dallas eventually became an opponent, even attempting to gain the Democratic nomination for president in 1855. Pierce commenced a campaign to keep Dallas from running, offering his the ambassadorship to London, which he eventually accepted. The move turned out to be of little use to Pierce, as he was defeated by James Buchanan in the 1856 Democratic Convention. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #430 - Ended June 18, 2014





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for $75.00

*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.