[Rarebooks] FS: Superb P.T. Barnum Handwritten Letter about being mistaken for the Chair of the DNC, price reduced

[Charles Agvent]

Price reduced to $1100 NET

BARNUM, P. T. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED (ALS). Bridgeport, CT, 22 March 
1867. A scarce two-page letter asking for a political favor on the front 
and verso of a 4-1/2" x 8" ruled sheet of paper to the American author 
and important editor George W. Curtis in which Barnum writes his last 
name four times. An interesting letter, in full: "In the last column of 
first page of this week's Nation is an article on the Conn. election in 
which the religious element in this district is appealed to scratch my 
name. The 'Iron' Barnum yesterday distributed thousands of copies of 
that paper in packages at the massive R.R. stations and it is said by 
authority that the copperheads in this district preferred the article in 
question & ordered the papers in advance. This (Iron) WH Barnum is a 
profane man and the 'democratic' party in this district is exhibiting 
more virulence & [?] filth than was ever before seen in a political 
[?]-- WH Barnum expending $25,000 among the hotels & groggeries in the 
district for the [?] influence & yet they appeal to the susceptibilities 
of the religious community. As this is a very close district we need 
every good influence to counteract their poison, hence if you can say a 
word in reply to this last effort of theirs, you will benefit the 
Republic party & much oblige." SIGNED "P. T. Barnum." W. H. Barnum was a 
distant relative of P. T. Barnum (3rd cousin, once removed) and also the 
political "Boss" of Fairfield County. P. T. was nominated by the 
Republican Party as a candidate for U.S. Congress in 1867 to run against 
the Democrat W. H., who won the election. W. H. Barnum later also served 
in the U. S. Senate and was the longest-serving chair of the Democratic 
National Committee (1877 to 1889). In 1863 Curtis became the political 
editor of HARPER'S WEEKLY, which was highly influential in shaping 
public opinion. One of the most influential American journalists of any 
day, Curtis also was known for his speeches, one of which was a tribute 
to Charles Sumner. He also had the honor of helping Thoreau build his 
cabin on Walden Pond. Normal creases from folding. About Fine.

W. H. Barnum was the chief executive of The Barnum Richardson Company, 
which owned or controlled a number of iron mines, and was known as 
"Iron" Barnum. (#009928)        $1,500.00

https://www.charlesagvent.com/shop/agvent/009928.html

-- 
All books subject to prior sale. Cash with order; institutions may be 
billed. Postage additional: $11.00 for the first item; $5.00 for each 
thereafter. Overseas postage billed at approximate cost. Pennsylvania 
residents must add 6% sales tax. Mastercard, Visa, American Express, and 
Discover accepted. Books may be returned within 7 days of receipt for 
any reason provided they are in the same condition as sent and prior 
notice is given. Please insure returns for their full value. We carry a 
diverse stock with major specialties including Modern and 19th Century 
Literary First Editions, Signed Books, Presidential Autographs, 
Illustrated Books, and the world's largest inventory of Limited Editions 
Club books. *We have been in business since 1987 and are proud to be 
members of the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America (ABAA) and 
the International League of Antiquarian Booksellers (ILAB).* Please feel 
free to contact us with any wants or offerings. Thank you.

CHARLES AGVENT

291 Linden Road

Mertztown, PA 19539-8750

610-682-4750

info at charlesagvent.com

Please visit our shop: http://www.charlesagvent.com