Lot #45

Franklin Pierce and Jefferson Davis

Description

Introducing “Mr. Sumner” in rare correspondence between President Pierce and Jefferson Davis

Rare piece of correspondence between President Franklin Pierce and Secretary of War Jefferson Davis: an ALS signed “Jeff. Davis,” one page, 5 x 7.5, April 19, 1853, in full: “To the Presdt, Dr Sir, I send this to you to ask when it will be convenient to you to see Mr. Sumner. I said to him I could introduce him in the morning but that he would have then little opportunity to converse with you.” Upside down at the bottom of the page Pierce responds with an ANS as president, signed “F. P.,” in full: “Will you call with Mr. Sumner & take tea with me tomorrow evening.” In fine condition, with mounting remnants to reverse corners. Provenance: The Everett Fisher Collection.

President Pierce had taken office the previous month on March 4, naming Davis as his secretary of war. Davis certainly would have known the Massachusetts senator Charles Sumner as their service in the Senate overlapped for five months when Sumner joined in 1851. Despite their opposing views—Sumner an ardent abolitionist, Davis a vocal proponent of slavery—it seems that their relationship was cordial enough that Davis was happy to grant favor by introducing him to the new president. This mutual respect continued to exist even after the Civil War; when popular opinion called for Davis to be tried for treason, Sumner opposed the measures and advocated for universal amnesty. An exquisite piece associating three political giants of the era. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autographs And Artifacts
• Dates: #473 - Ended April 13, 2016

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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