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Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed. ...
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Description
Franklin Pierce Autograph Letter Signed. Two pages on one leaf, 8 x 10 inches (sight), Washington; April 12, 1856. Pierce asks his brother Henry not to postpone his visit to Washington:"I was extremely sorry to find you inclined to postpone your visit till June. First Because I am sure it will not be so convenient for you to come at that time as at an earlier day - second - Because it is a much less agreeable time to visit this city than between the first and middle of May. Third. Because if you wait for a convenient time it be in this case just as it has been on so many occasions before the 'convenient time' will never arrive. Decide to leave home on the first of May or say the 10th if that would be more convenient, but fix your day & then make your arrangements to conform to it. If your engagements are pressing and you find it difficult to be long absent you can limit your absence to ten days or two weeks and yet see most objects of interest here and on your route. Do not leave the thing indefinite." Signed, "Franklin Pierce."
The letter is window mounted into a larger sheet and matted to an overall size of 10 x12 inches.
Serving the last year of his presidency, Franklin Pierce found himself in a state of profound political isolation and personal grief at the time this letter was written. His presidency had been marred by his support for the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which exacerbated sectional tensions and led to violent conflict in Kansas. This deeply divisive stance alienated many in his own Democratic Party and eroded his political base. Compounding his political troubles, Pierce was still grappling with the tragic death of his son Benjamin, who had died in a train accident shortly before his inauguration; a loss his wife Jane was not able to surmount. The combination of political failure and personal tragedy left Pierce alone, bereft, and struggling to find solace during this tumultuous period. A visit from his last surviving brother Henry would have provided some relief.
Condition: Flattened folds and light toning; with a couple of minor smudges affecting a few letters. Pencil notations on top left corner of verso and bottom left corner of recto.
Auction Info
2024 September 25 Historical Manuscripts Including Texana Signature® Auction #6305 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
September, 2024
25th
Wednesday
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