Sending an illegally free-franked letter in the midst of his presidential campaign: “The Abolitionists, I observe are increasing in your quarter. Will they adhere to Birney, or finally go for Mr. V. Buren” 142. Henry Clay. ALS signed “H. Clay,” one page, 8 x 10, November 28, 1843. Letter to Congressman Timothy Childs, marked at the top of the page, “(Confidential).” In full: “It has been a long time since I heard directly from you, and I am desirous to know your opinion how the land lies in the Western part of N. York, after the late election. At my distance from you, it looks badly. What is the cause? I had hoped for better things, and especially was I disappointed in Munroe and Rochester. The Abolitionists, I observe are increasing in your quarter. Will they adhere to Birney, or finally go for Mr. V. Buren, if, as now suppose to be certain, he should be nominated? How does it happen that whilst the South & S. West appear to be coming round to the Tariff, the North, judging from elections, is receding from the protective policy? The South is in favor of so adjusting a Revenue Tariff as to discriminate in behalf of the Manufacturing interest. I speak of the Whigs. Now, in that form, as much protection can be afforded as is needed or could be obtained in any other way. Do me the favor to transmit your answer under cover to the honble J.J. Crittenden, Washington.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in Clay’s hand to Childs, and is franked in the upper right, “Free H. Clay,” and retains much of its black wax seal. Also included is a manuscript letter, one page, with Clay’s closing sentiment and signature having been clipped off, dated March 29, 1844, also to Childs, and marked “(Private),” at the top by Clay. In part: “\We shall run our adversaries hard, if we do not beat them, in Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and even Alabama. Clay lost all four states. We shall lick them in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia.” Reverse of second integral page bears an address panel in another hand and red wax seal remnants. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and a bit of scattered light toning. On March 31, 1842, Clay resigned the Senate seat he had held since 1831 to prepare for the 1844 presidential election. On November 28, 1843, Clay sent the “Confidential” political letter here offered using the franking privilege to which he was no longer entitled. Clay, a democratic candidate for the presidency in 1844 running on a staunch anti-slavery campaign, lost to James K. Polk in a close contest which saw the Liberty Party candidate James Birney take votes that likely would have gone to Clay. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $200)
143. William F. ‘Buffalo Bill’ Cody. Exceptional 9.5 x 7.5 photo of Cody and his daughter Irma in a horse-drawn carriage, affixed to the original 14.75 x 12.25 photographer’s mount, signed and inscribed at the top of the mount in black ink, “To Sister May, from Brother, W. F. Cody, Xmas 1894.” Scattered surface marks, a small tear to the lower left corner of the mount, and scattered dings and soiling to mount, otherwise fine condition. The image was captured by the Stacy studio of Brooklyn with the Codys posed in front of a hand-painted Wild West Show arena backdrop at Ambrose Park, where he performed from May 12, 1894, through October 1894. This mounted portrait descended directly through the Cody family, inherited by his great-granddaughter and given on loan to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center of the West for most of the last half of the 20th century. Mary Hannah ‘May’ Cody was Buffalo Bill’s youngest sister, who was responsible for selecting his burial site atop Lookout Mountain. A rare oversized photo with an excellent intimate personal association. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $300) 46 | June 18, 2014 | NOTABLES