Sold For $1,755
*Includes Buyers Premium
ALS signed twice as “J. Tyler,” one page, both sides, 8 x 10, October 27, 1848. Addressed from his home in Sherwood Forest, a handwritten letter to his son, Robert Tyler of Philadelphia. Three years after leaving office, Tyler writes about the upcoming presidential election, an apologetic letter from James Buchanan, and the Free Soil Party. In full: “Your last letter is received. If Pennsylvania and Ohio go for Taylor he is elected beyond a doubt, but notwithstanding your confident prediction of the vote of Pennsylvania, you may be disappointed if the barnburners adhere to Van Buren, and if they voted for Johnson in the late election I feel confident that all depends on that. But I have taken my pen principally to say that the last mail brought me a letter from Buchanan expressive of great regret that any indignity should have been offer’d me from his office – threatening a reproof of his clerk and declaring the highest respect. His letter has my proper address – so much for that – I have received an earnest request from the Democracy of Norfolk asking me to address a mass meeting today. I have declined in a written response, giving a shot at Van Buren and defined my position on the Free Soil question. I hope that my letter may be published. I am still seeding wheat. Miss Philips and Alice are as happy as the day is long. O'Harra is here and Edmonia, Martha and Molly Christian are here on a visit, so that you see we have a house full. Julia is still in New York, her return depending on Mrs. Beekman. I hope to see yourself and Dr. Philips at some time during the winter. Yesterday I had a fine haunch of venison which a neighbor sent me and wish’d for you. With love to Pris and children.” On the adjacent integral page, Tyler has hand-addressed the mailing panel and signed with his franking signature in the upper right. In fine condition. Tyler had purchased a plantation in Virginia in 1842, naming it Sherwood Forest to signify his status as an ‘outlaw’ from the Whig Party. He retired to the estate after leaving the White House in March 1845, remaining there for the rest of his life.
In the 1848 presidential election, the Whig Party nominated Mexican-American war veteran General Zachary Taylor, passing over party stalwarts Henry Clay and Daniel Webster. Taylor's running mate was Millard Fillmore, who was from Buffalo and was known for his moderate views on slavery. Martin Van Buren had expected to be nominated by the Democratic Party, but when he was passed over for Lewis Clay, he broke from the party and led the ticket of the Free Soil Party, which opposed the extension of slavery into the territories. Barnburners and Hunkers (the former mentioned by Tyler) were two opposing factions of the New York State Democratic Party. Barnburners were a radical anti-slavery and anti-banks and corporations faction, while Hunkers were relatively pro-government. Although this specific division was contained to the borders of New York, it reflected the national divide in the U.S. in the years leading up to the American Civil War.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*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.
Third-party authentication service applies only to signatures and handwriting, and does not cover the addition of sketches, artwork, musical quotations, etc.
