2022-07 Raynors HCA Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/16/2022
ALBERT SMITH WHITE (1803- 1864) US Congressman & Senator, Whig Presidential elector in 1836, President of several railroads, and was appointed by President Lincoln to a three-man commission to adjust the claims of Minnesota and Dakota for Indian depredations. Free Frank on 3pp. letter from what appears to be his wife, as dictated by him, with superior content from Washington, March 1838: “Dear Mother…Immediately after our arrival we took board with Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. P. has a husband, but it is customary for Ladies here to keep boarding houses during the session independent of the husband… the two Senators Smith & Niles of Cont among the most illiberal narrow-minded low bred men I eve met – I am so disgusted with their democracy the party are in great danger of losing my influence – you may remember I used to be a democrat but democracy must have degenerated since the days of Jefferson & Madison– or rather the party so called…we go to the Capital...the Gallery of the Hall of the House of Representatives or Senate or Supreme Court, wherever the debates are likely to be most interesting…when Webster Clay or Calhoun is to speak the senate Gallery is crowded with beautifully dressed women…” There is lengthy and rich detail of the costume and accoutrements of the political players in the Capital and a well described ceremony of the reception of the President, where he (or they) paid respects. Letter is unsigned. White was serving as a Whig Senator at the time. Although franking privileges were to be used for official business, often the allowance granted was greatly abused. Letters to mom would not be considered official business, although the business described in this missive luckily for us brings Washington life with great flair. Integral address leaf addressed to Mrs. Amelia Bigelow, Indiana with red Washington postal. Light age wear, o/w Fine.
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