May 04, 2017 - Sale 2446

Sale 2446 - Lot 54

Price Realized: $ 750
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 350 - $ 500
SENDING SPEECH ON WITHDRAWAL FROM MEXICO (MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR.) SUMNER, CHARLES. Autograph Letter Signed, to John Jay, sending his speech concerning the withdrawal of troops from Mexico [not present], requesting that he arrange to have Horace Greeley publish the speech or a portion of it, conveying that he has thanked his father for writing supportively. 3 pages, 4to, written on a folded sheet; short closed separations at folds of terminal leaf (not affecting signature), address panel on terminal page. (MRS) Boston, 6 February 1847

Additional Details

"I have sent you today . . . my speech on the withdrawal of our troops from Mexico.
"You know how public opinion is affected by action & re-action. If the Tribune could be prevailed upon to republish anything of what I have said, it would act most favorably here. As I understand, Mr Greeley does not differ substantially from the grounds I have taken. Perhaps he might be induced to republish the speech or some part of it.
"I do not seek commendation; but I do desire a hearing. Pardon me for my freedom with you on the subject.
"I have already written to your father to thank him for his most spirited rebuke . . . . [H]e says, 'I am told that Mr. W. feels unpleasantly in regard to his position--thinks Mr. Jay has not treated the subject with proper delicacy, &c. In short I presume he feels like every other man who takes an army position & persists in it.' . . ."
John Jay (1817-1894) was an American lawyer, an anti-slavery activist, and the grandson of Chief Justice John Jay.