2009-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/31/2009
HEWITT, Abram Stevens (1822 - 1903) a teacher, lawyer, an iron manufacturer, U.S. Congressman, and a mayor of New York. Autograph Letter Signed, "Abram S. Hewitt," May 2, 1862, 3pp., to "Secretary of War (Stanton)," fine. Hewitt advises Stanton (through the copy of a Whitworth letter) of an agreement with British gun manufacturer Joseph Whitworth to supply the Federal Government "...a 5-1/2" bore gun which will fire a 70 to 80 lbs shot with 12 lbs of powder. It can be supplied in six weeks with a full amount of shot and shell." The copy letter continues with more specifications of the gun and details of the agreement. Then Hewitt advises Stanton on the political positions in Europe, in part, "You must prepare your mind for foreign interference in our affairs in some shape or other unless the rebellion is speedily crushed or some policy which will enable France, Belgium and England to get a supply of cotton...If we have any statesman left in the Union states, they ought to be addressing themselves to the question at once to reopen foreign trade with the South ..." He closes, "As Europe must have cotton at any price, our great men should be determining how to avoid with honor and with advantage to ourselves, the conflict which cannot otherwise long be defended. Excuse my allusion to this topic, but no man of intelligence can shut his eyes to what is coming."
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