Raynors HCA 2015-11
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/3/2015
A rare and insightful eve of disunion political letter, 3pp. 4to., written by JOHN A. ROCKWELL (Aug. 27, 1803-Feb. 10, 1861) Yale educated, former Connecticut Congressman and Constitutional Union Party member who supported the Bell-Everett ticket in the 1860 election, Washington, D. C., Nov. 13, 1860 to his son Alfred, reading, in part: "People seem to think and talk of nothing here except the disunion movements at the South. It is…a matter of the deepest and most direct interest to all holders of property there. All here are very apprehensive of the result and…the President and his cabinet are exceedingly sober and anxious. I have caucused at some length with two of the Secretaries who regarded this aspect of affairs as truly appalling and appeared weighed down by the responsibilities of their position. Baron Grolt and Baron Stuchel expressed their despair and deep regret at the failure, as they consider it, of our experiment of self government…I doubt whether their governments at home will not rejoice in our misfortunes. What I have said is the…has been my own views on the subject…I have some information today which presents the first ray of hope I have seen since I came here…So. Carolina will not be joined by the other Southern States. If she is out…yet the folly and madness of the traitors and fools that control that small and helpless little State can I think be managed. The sentiment here is quite universal of indignation at the traitors and disunionists at the South as well as at the North. Mr. [Thomas R. R.] Cobb and his assist. Lee Clayton ought to be kicked out of their offices; and such disseminators of treason and sedition as Mr. Wendell Phillips and Mr. Garrison should be subject to the scorn…of every lover of this country. Treason and all its adherents…will…soon be at a discount…the city is very dull. Willard's hotel is not yet open and everybody looks blue and feels uncomfortable…J. A. Rockewell." VG to near fine. Also included is a ca. 1852, 2pp. 4to., printed prospectus for a treatise written by Rockwell on Spanish and Mexican law "in relation to mines and titles to real estate, in force in California and New Mexico." Included are several testimonials from President Millard Fillmore, Supreme Court Justice Robert Taney and Justice John McLean. Fine.
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