New YorkABAA
Two Manuscript Letters Signed Concerning Political Maneuvers at the Sullivan County NY Democratic Convention in 1853
185343806Monticello NY 1853. Very good lightly browned edges and folds. 2 pp. bifolium 1 sheet. 8 x 10 inches. The first letter written prior to the convention is dated Monticello August 30 1853 from John C. Holly who had been elected Sheriff the prior year is addressed to "Friend James K. Gardner" 1805-1860 one of the most prominent citizens of Barryville which he help found; in 1852 he was elected to the New York State Legislature and held numerous other offices. Holly complains about the jockeying before the convention: "The time has arrived when the friends of the several candidates throughout the county were up and doing and the love of contention appears to be this fall who shall go to the Senate and it appears to be determination of the General and his aids to have the doctor on the course and if he cannot do it in one way why in some other. The game appears to be this that the doctor is to get as many delegates throughout the county as he can and the General as many as he can and when they come to the convention all go in for the doctor. Now Lord George W. Lord prominent Monticello lawyer is a candidate for nomination and have understood that you was and I think the best way is to write your forces. Lord is not in any way anxious for the nomination and would rather throw his votes in with you . than in the hands of the General." The second letter was written after the convention by Archibald C. Niven 1803-1882 a Surrogate of Sullivan County New York from 1828 to 1840 Adjutant General of the New York State Militia in 1844 Democrat to the 29th United States Congress 1845-1847 and District Attorney of Sullivan County 1847-1850 most likely also to Gardner though there is no salutation and it is marked dpl. on September 10th 1853; "it would seem that Lord had determined to be Senator & among other things asserted that he had a letter from you & that you were in his favor. This of course was unpalatable to those who are unfavorable to Lord for he was defeated at our town Caucus by a decided majority. Well the county convention . and as I am told only 10 towns were represented making 30 delegates and as Col. Tremain & others were determined to go for me they counted and found I had 17. Woodbridge has said or at least a letter was received here from Albany stating that he had there said that he could or would control your vote & had done so during the session. All this excited prejudices and free-soilers with Curtis Major James C. Curtis at the head set to work & by trickery." unknown books
Kaaterskill Books, ABAA/ILAB · États-Unis250,00 $US≈ 211,52 €
