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Lot #66
William Henry Harrison

Funeral plans for the short-lived president

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Estimate: $500+
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Description

Funeral plans for the short-lived president

Pair of handwritten letters relating to the funeral arrangements of President William Henry Harrison, each one page, 7.75 x 12.75 and 8 x 13, both addressed to Reverend William Harlow of Emory & Henry College. The first, dated April 30, 1841, in part: "We have been appointed a committee in behalf of a meeting held on this day at this place to 'Select and invite some clergymen to deliver a funeral sermon in Marion on the 14th day of May next commemorative of the life and death of the late President of the United States.' The day, you will recollect is the one set apart by the President as a day of fasting and prayer through out the Union. In discharge of the duty assigned to us we have selected, and now invite you to officiate in the column and mournful duties assigned to you as the selected Clergymen." A brief postscript at the conclusion: "The committee being apprised that two sermons will be agreeable, have determined to invite two Clergymen, the one for the morning and the other for the evening. Mr. Glenn will therefore receive a similar invitation to the above and also this explanation." The second letter, dated May 14, 1841, the day of Harrison's funeral, in part: "Believing that many of the citizens of this Country, as well as elsewhere, would take great pleasure, in the perusal of the sermon this day delivered by you on the occasion of the Death of our late Chief Magistrate, we have been prompted to solicit a Copy of it for publication; at as early an hour as possible." Both letters are signed at the conclusion: "Jno. W. Schoolfield," "E. S. Watson," "J. F. Pendleton," "E. W. Jones," and "Thos. M. Smyth." In overall very good condition, with intersecting folds, creasing, and light toning.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: December Auction: Featuring Animation
  • Dates: #514 - Ended December 06, 2017