Leading United States social reformer, abolitionist, politician, and philanthropist (1797–1874) who was a candidate for President of the United States in 1848, 1856, and 1860. Two ALSs signed “Gerrit Smith,” three pages in total, both lightly-lined, approximately 5 x 8, October 22, 1861, and March 20, 1864. The earlier letter, addressed to Emily Weed Barnes concerning a letter penned to Colonel James Rice and the Ellsworth Avengers, in full: “I have this moment finished reading your address to Col. Rice & his Reply. God bless you & God bless him, for you have both spoken wisely eloquently & sublimely. Were but the hearts of our military imbued with the spirit of these Speeches, the War would be of short duration. I will hand the Paper containing these Speeches to my wife & daughter. As they read them, their hearts will go out to you, as does my own, in love & gratitude, In speaking as you have honored yourself & your sex, & rendered a precious service to truth to humanity & to your country. I wish that you & your husband would sometime, when you are travelling this way, turn aside to spend a day or two with us”; the second letter, written to William Barnes concerning the cost of the Emancipation Proclamation, in full: “I thank you for your letter enclosing copy of W. Johnston's. If I recollect the Proclamation sold at Chicago for 3 to 4000$ - Why should not this bring in more? I must wait for better offer.” In overall fine condition.
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