Secretary of State in the Lincoln administration who was severely injured in an attack that was part of the assassination conspiracy. His greatest political achievement was the purchase of Alaska from Russia, derided by contemporary skeptics as “Seward’s Folly.” ALS signed “W. H. Seward,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, December 24, 1828. Seward writes to newspaper editor William L. Stone in New York City. In part: “Your letter … accompanied by a ‘statement’ of your agency, in the publication of my letter to Gerrit Smith Esq. and others, was delivered…. If I were not accustomed to regard all such misunderstandings as that which called forth your statement as unimportant, I would say I regret exceedingly the discussion…. All that I can say and I trust all I need say is that it was my purpose … that the letter should appear first in the Courier…. I have never doubted that every party did what his best judgement and earnest solicitude for the success of the Whig cause suggested, and that I have not entertained … a thought unkind or disrespectful towards you….” The letter retains its integral address panel on the adjoining sheet. Light wrinkling and folds with a few tiny edge separations, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
