Raynors HCA 2014-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/6/2014
Detailed 7 1/2 pp. letter, folio, dated August 4, 1872, Utica, NY. Written by NY federal judge Alfred C. Coxe, the nephew of New York Congressman, Senator, and Republican machine boss Roscoe Conkling, to George Coventry, NYC. The letter comes with the original transmittal envelope with Conkling's free frank at the upper right corner. The letter has a detailed account of President Grant, his wife Julia, and youngest son Jessie visiting upstate NewYork. Reads in part: "....Lieut. Grant is a big fat good natured homely young gent somewhat shorter than Jim Rockwood but very much his build and something his look, a little farmish or rather unrefined in his conversation but a good square cuss after all. I rather liked hime seemed to be entirely modest and unassuming regarding his position. Well after Executive had smoked a couple of Conklong cigars a ride was proposed....". Coxe then continues...."Mrs. Grants homely but she's nice, a good square unaffected motherly woman simple in her manners ready to take advice of others. I liked her very much and I think her a lady in every aspect. Her very small hands and feet, her language and general department betokened a refinement I was not prepared to see. Jessie is a nice homely little cuss mode stand quite smart. Gen. Porter is an intelligent man. Not handsome, he was sick during most of the time and did not participate in the general fuss....". After arriving back home Coxe continues "On arriving home lunch was prepared and the President after convening with Tom Spriggs and Judge Lord who came to see him....In the evening they had a great dinner, at which Dr. Grey, Judge. Johnson, and Gov. Seymour were the invited guests....". Grant and his party then seem to attend a parade where an arch had been erected and he shook hands with people in attendance. Later he went to an opera house where he continued to "press the flesh" with more admirers. Coxe then continues "After this dinner was announced and another state dinner was indulged in another reception in the evening, next morning at 11 o'clock the squad started for Trenton Falls....we arrived there about 2 o'clock and such a crowd you never saw at Trenton. The hall was jammed and all the region around was represented. The P.P. (Poor President) was almost squeezed to death by the handshakes and had to escape by going into Moors private place. I has the pleasure of toting Mrs. Grant to Carmichals Parish and a very pleasant walk we had....". Coxe continues with Grant and Porter attending meeting, and continues with content pertains to the end of the trip "Everything was done for the Presidentthat could be. The people acted well, no politics was introduced into the visit and everything went off well. Democrats do as much as Republicans to make the visit pleasant. Grant is one of the most interesting men....". It is hard to image that no "politicking" was going on considering Grant was seeking a second term as Presidentin 1872. A great letter, fine.
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