Rare 1862 broadside from a Unionist who seeks to “depose Lincoln, and let an election for a new President take place over the whole United States” 140. Abraham Lincoln. Civil War-dated printed broadside, one page, 13.25 x 20, September 24, 1862. A circular letter issued by Bryan Tyson, a Unionist from Brower’s Mill, North Carolina, opposed to the ideals of abolition and secession. In part: “I hereby send you a book, which I hope you will carefully read and consider well the object for which it was written—to arrest the farther progress of this terrible civil war now upon us, and to speedily bring about a reconciliation between the two sections…By reference to my book it will be discovered that I have advised going back into the Union, provided we can get our rights, as the surest and best mode of putting a stop to this cruel war. The better plan to accomplish this, I think, would be to get an Armistice of some two or three months, and if possible depose Lincoln, and let an election for a new President take place over the whole United States…If we get our rights guaranteed us, I look upon Lincoln presiding as President as of but merely secondary importance…In case of re-union, I look upon it that Lincoln is the last vestige of a Black Republican that will ever occupy the Presidential chair of the United States…If we can get this abolition sentiment expunged from the Northern people, and get the Territorial and Slavely questions settled fairy and permanently, I think we had best try the Union once more. But in case they are for abolishing slavery; I think it perfectly inconsistent that they should desire a farther Union… I therefore think we had best take the bull by the horns at once, and advocate the Union upon just and honorable terms while there is some of the bone and sinew in us as it were, some hope of getting our rights…in case of separation I look upon the present war as being only the beginning of a series of wars, or one of many that will occur at intervals of a few years, for a good many years to come, and our country will probably never again, in our time, be in any settled position long at a time… Since writing the above Lincoln has issued his proclamation emancipating the slaves of all States that shall be in rebellion against the United States on the first day of January, 1863. This makes the prospect for Union more gloomy than ever…But I still think it was an act resorted to more for the purpose of putting down the rebellion, than as a special benefit to the African race. Therefore, if we will strike for compromise upon terms already mentioned, I think this thing can be knocked up, and the Union yet saved upon just and honorable terms.” In fine condition, with light dampstaining to the margins. In the summer of 1862, Tyson published the book Ray of Light, a volume that attacked both northern abolitionists and the Confederacy’s secessionist leadership. The book resulted in Tyson’s temporary conscription and, upon his release, this present broadside, again designed to promote his book and political position. The State of North Carolina arrested Tyson again, and was released on grounds that he would cease promoting his inflammatory views. He joined the Unionist underground, wrote letters to Confederate soldiers urging them to desert, and, in the winter of 1863, sent a copy of Ray of Light to each member of the North Carolina assembly. Starting Bid $300
141. Andrew Johnson. Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 16 x 10, April 25, 1865. President Johnson appoints Nehemiah D. Sperry as “Deputy Postmaster, at New Haven, in the State of Connecticut.” Signed at the conclusion by President Johnson and countersigned by William Hunter as acting secretary of state. White paper seal remains affixed to lower left. In very good to fine condition, with some light staining, and tiny areas of paper loss along intersecting folds. Pre-certified PSA/DNA. Starting Bid $200
60 | September 13, 2017 | PRESIDENTS & FIRST LADIES