Jun 21, 2018 - Sale 2483

Sale 2483 - Lot 179

Price Realized: $ 625
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 400 - $ 600
"IT IS BELIEVED HERE THAT SEC'Y WELLES WILL BE FORCED TO RETIRE" (LINCOLN, ABRAHAM.) BLAINE, JAMES G. Autograph Letter Signed, "J.G. Blaine," as Speaker of the House, to William P. Fessenden, inquiring about his interest in becoming part of Lincoln's cabinet. 2 pages, 7x4 1/2 inches, written on the first and third pages of a single folded sheet; closed short tear at center vertical fold, remnants of prior mounting at two corners of terminal page. Augusta, ME, 27 January 1862
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The page is headed "Private" and continues: "It is believed here that Sec''y [Gideon] Welles will be forced to retire--and Gov. [Cadwallader C.] Washburn would not be reluctant to proceed him--what do you think of it?
"Your name I see mentioned in several papers for the post as it was of Sec'y of War--but the idea of your leaving your leadership in the Senate for any position in the Cabinet--that of State or Treasury--is simply absurd in my view.
"It is very different with Washburn. He frets at being confined to State politics.
"Anything you may choose to write me on this matter will be confidential--as is this note."
Provenance: Swann sale, 25 September 2008, lot 14, to the consignor.