SOON
VICE-PRESIDENT WILLIAM RUFUS KING'S DISCUSSION OF POLITICS
THREE
IMPORTANT 1850s PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION LETTERS
SLAVERY QUESTION – ABOLITIONIST / CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS OF THE SOUTH /
FUGITIVE SLAVE LAW / 1851-1852
THREE (3) LETTERS – PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION OF PIERCE
AUTOGRAPH
LETTER SIGNED / VICE-PRESIDENT WILLIAM R. KING
The
three (3) original manuscript letters are written in a Secretary's hand. Wm. R.
King signed the two letters dated in 1852. The letter dated 1851 is written and
signed in the same secretary's and as the writer of the two letters from 1852.
In the letter dated February 19th, 1852 King states, “ I have had a severe
attack of rheumatism in my right arm which has so disabled my right hand that I
am unable to write.”
EACH
LETTER: One single sheet folded in half, letter on page one and two, page three
and four blank, 9-3/4 x 7-7/8 inches. Paper edges gilt. SEE: Old tape repair to
one letter.
Letter #1
ADDRESSEE:
General E. D. King / PLACE: Senate Chamber DATE: Jan(uar)y 23rd 1851
Dear
Gen(era)l,
In
Part: “…The efforts of the abolitionist and Fanatics to agitate further the
slavery question obtains but little countenance. The North has at length opened
its eyes to the dangers of continued agitation or any further interference with
the constitutional rights of the South. Then will neither be a repeal or
modification of the fugitive slave law, and I have reason to believe that the
law will be strictly enforced. In this state of things I trust our Southern
people will pause, and cease to advocate disunion…”
Faithfully
I am / Your Friend / Wm R. King
Letter #2
ADDRESSEE:
General E. D. King / PLACE: Senate Chamber DATE: Feburary 19th 1852
Dear
Gen(era)l,
In
Part: “…The Presidential question is beginning to excite much interest, and the
numerous candidates no little division in the Democratic ranks. I think however
Buchanan is the favorite of a large majority. If the whole South unites in his
support his nomination will I think be certain. If we are but true to our
interests he will be our first choice. Cass is the most strongest, but cannot
as things now stand get the vote of the South. Douglas is making great efforts,
but must in the end fail. He is a young man remarkable for his fluency with no
great originality of thought, and has not as yet gone through such an ordeal as
to justify his being placed in so responsible a position. Butler is a brave man
of moderate capacity and coming forward as he does under the auspices of the
free soilers, the South cannot and should not touch him. In every respect
Buchanan is our man.”
Your
Friend Sincerely / William R King / Genl E. D. King
Letter #3
ADDRESSEE:
General E. D. King / PLACE: Senate Chamber DATE: June 12th 1852
Dear
General,
In
Part: “…I still think James Buchanan should have been the man, and such was the
feeling of the almost entire South, but it became apparent that he could not be
nominated, losing sight of him, what was the Southern Delegates to do, they
believed with me that if we could get a reliable man from the non-slave holding
states it was our true policy to take him; Genl. Cass they could not take, and Douglas
they would not, neither Dickerson or Marcy could carry the vote of New York,
under these circumstances the name of Pearce was presented, the result you
know. Had the convention failed to make the nomination on the 49th ballot, it
was arranged by a large number of States north and south to cast their votes
for me, and I am informed that my nomination would have been certain. I
honestly think it is best as it is, Genl. Pierce is a decided Democrat, a firm
and unwavering supporter of the constitutional rights of the South,
abolitionism or free soilism has in him always meet a determined and
uncompromising opponent. He is a true man on whom the South may confidently
rely for the protection of its constitutional rights, had I not been satisfied
of this, from my intimate acquaintance with the man, and my knowledge of his
principles, I would not say to you, that my name should not have remained on
the same ticket with his. Scott will be in all probability the Whig nominee and
while he is evidently the strongest man at the north whom the Whigs can
present, he is exceedingly weak at the South, as the Whigs in that section will
understand that he will be under the control of Seward and Company, and that
they must prove faithless to the rights and interests of their section, if they
contribute to his election. From all appearances the Democratic Party will
obtain an easy victory...”
Your
Fr(ien)d sincerely, William R. King
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