2008-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2008
Autograph Letter Signed, “A.M. Gone” 8p. octavo, Charlestown, Massachusetts, February 17, 1861, with cover addressed to James Post of New York, it reads in part: “...I have had the honor to make the President elect a coat. Mr. Feeno sent to one of his western customers and got a correct measure, which he gave to me with orders to cut & trim and get made an over coat, as I saw fit so I made a coat worth about $45.00 perhaps you some curiousity to know how it was got up. (it was made for service and not exclusively for show) it was made from a piece of fine Moscow Beaver lined with a fine Italian cloth, in the back was stiched a circle of stars, thirty three in number the rest (as well as the forepart) was filled up with fine diamonds. In the center of each forepart was stitched an eagle with shield with the original thirteen stars in a half circle over the top, it looked very neat when finished. It took me two weeks from the time I cut it before I had it ready to send away. We received a very polite letter of acceptance from Mr. Lincoln so much for that. I would like it much better however if he would give me a snug berth of a couple of thousand a year...we have had very exciting times in the shop as well as out. We have the news three times a day regular, morning noon & at 5 oclock, so you see we keep posted well...You spoke of Seward’s and Adams speeches. I have read them both and must say that Mr. Adams is a true patriot. I have read his speeches before, he is willing to do what all true men should do, compromise without giving up the principle for the benefit of the country...Seward’s is rather vague he proposes nothing yet intimates what he would be willing to do, it is more of a feeler than pointing out any remedy like Adams. The Crittenden resolutions can never be made a law...Personal liberty bills and the election of a Republican President constitutionaly is by some, assigned as the causes while others boldly avow that it has been steadily assuming its present aspect for years, ever since nullification times. What is the present demands of the South nothing more or less than the recoginition of property in slaves by the Federal Government, for what purpose. The present election has shown that the free states can elect a President by a constitutional majority. Therefore the growing wealth and population of the free states must be counter balanced in some way, how is this to be done, simply by the expansion of slavery, which has a representation but they say it is not property, but personal representation, but if slavery is legalized does it then really become property represention? Thus we see that political power is the lever, which they are grasping at...” Fine.
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.