2020-01 Putnal
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/18/2020
In the 1950's, the famous historian Bruce Catton, was the editor of AMERICA HERITAGE MAGAZINE. This group pertains to his correspondence as editor, discussing Abraham Lincoln and his famous Emancipation Proclamation. Includes copy of text of letter by Air Force General George Cassady, who enclosed an original, 1862 letter from an Illinois Copperhead (Peace Democrat) which bitterly criticized Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation and expressed strong views against equality for Black Americans. The 1862 letter is 4p. Octavo, written by Benjamin F. Herring, from White County, Illinois, November 16, 1862, and reads in part "All the States heard from our Democratic only Massachusetts and a few others, but let her go. She does not deserve to be counted in the catalogue of States for the following reasons. First, she burned women at the stake. 2nd, she hung Quakers for opinions sake. 3rd, she whipped men for kissing their wives on Sunday. 4th, she resisted the Federal laws. 5th, she welcomes her Negro population to the polls and drives white men away because of their poverty or place of birth and many others but the revolution is going on in the politics of the North till it may soon appear that the Constitution, although for a time suspended is yet to be restored. Union, Union, Cry the Abolitionist but not a word to say for Law, Constitution or Conservative Government. I cannot tell what you think of this doctrine, but I call it Democracy. The Abolitionists are fast losing their power and I hope for better times. I am for the Constitution as it is and the Union as it was. I want no Union with Negroes. I am for my race and colour. Enclosed, [not included] you will find the Abolitionist prayer which no doubt will be interesting to man of the Negro worshippers on the first day of next January his prayer will be answered. The Jubilee will be great but I think the results will be rather different. The carnage is already dreadful but then tenfold more so then will commence the war of extermination the scenes of St. Domingo. All on account of Sambo. What folly, what fanaticism. Let this bloody strife cease and let us coolly enquire what it is for I am sick of the war. I want it to come to an end. I am for concession and compromise and I am for punishing traitors North and South…" Fine. Catton's response is Typed Letter Signed, "Bruce Catton" 1p. Quarto, June 5, 1858, and reads "Thank you so much for sending me the letter from the Illinois gentleman who objected to the emancipation in the fall of 1862. As a matter of fact a great many people in the middle west apparently felt just as he did at that time, and the Emancipation Proclamation was not swallowed out there with a great deal of difficulty. I don't quite see that we can make use of this in American Heritage, partly because it does strike a slightly sour note...I think the whole thing simply underlines the fact that a great many people in the North were not at all in favor of ending human slavery in the 1860's, and that President Lincoln really took his political life in his hands when he issued the Emancipation Proclamation."
Click on a thumbnail above to display a larger image below
Hold down the mouse button and slide side to side to see more thumbnails(if available).
Click above for larger image.