2006-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/31/2006
DAVIS, John (1787-1854) American statesman who through his sincerity earned the nickname ‘Honest John’; govern and U.S. Senator from Massachusetts. Autograph Letter Signed “J. Davis” 2p. quarto, Worcester, April 29, 1841, and reads in part: “...No movement made in regard to the melancholly occurance has more heartily met my apporbation than the appointment of a fast by the President. It seems to me to be the most fitting and appropriate mode of testifying our grief as it is religious in its character and all who are dispersed throughout the country can write in it. But I could not perceived that such a proclamation issuing so appropriately from the head of the nation upon a subject so deeply affecting to all called for any support from other authorities to ensure for it respect. Indeed if the request be not sufficient I fear that any thing added by me would prove alike ineffectual. Besides it has I believe been the invariable usage to take the advice of council in such matters but the council does not meet till about the time of the fast. I might add that our annual fast has also occured since the fatal event. The Gov. of New Jersey I have noticed has issued a proclamation but I have heard of no other and under all these circumstances I had concluded that it was perhaps most respectful to omit any official act....Indeed it has rather seemed to me as if to issue a proclamation implied a distrust of respect for that of the president...” About VG.
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