Raynors HCA 2016-06
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/17/2016
A fine war-date political content Autograph Letter Signed by Amasa McCoy, 8pp. octavo, Harrisburg, Jan. 24 - Feb. 3, 1863 to Pennsylvania Congressman, James B. McKean lambasting William Seward's policies toward the South. Obviously upset, Mr. McCoy writes, in very small part: "...You express some fears that Mr. Lincoln would not gather any better men about him.' Even if they were not better naturally...yet if they came in as the result of this pressure of public opinion, they would certainly better execute that opinion,. So far, public opinion, as declared by the acts of Congress, has been defeated by Mr Seward. Congress, the Army, the navy, the people, are all defeated by this one man. Mr Seward is the escape-valve through which the just rage, the righteous anger of all true patriots, has been whiffed off into the clouds, instead of being turned scalding hot upon the rebels. Talk of the right of a State to nullify - why all your solemn acts of legislation by which you aim to brand and punish this as treason, are all nullified, are all made contemptible, by the sleight-of-hand-tricks of this one performer...A public no-confidence vote by the House...would have the force of law...As such the President would see that he must obey...I can well understand how a Congressman may start back at such a demonstration. but let no one who refuses to make it complain of McClellan for not making a demonstration on Richmond. Why has not the rebel Capital been taken by the national forces? Because the national Capital has been taken by the Rebel forces! the State Department, and through that department, the Executive Mansion, is under the control of the Rebels' best friend...I am no alarmist...But this I say to you, as a private Citizen, to one in power, that the question before you patriots in Congress, is simply whether you will take this Government out of the hands of its enemies, and put it into the hands of its friends...Why did Jefferson Davis give orders to hang Butler? Because Butler, treating treason as treason, was damaging the Rebel cause. Why did Mr. Seward remove Butler? Because Butler was damaging the Rebel cause. Who are the best friends of the Rebellion? Jefferson Davis and William H. Seward. Who communicated to Jefferson Davis the fact that Butler was to be removed? Who?..." More angry content comparing Seward to Buchanan and begging his correspondent to "Stop this 'fire in the rear,' and our brave soldiers will take care of the traitors in arms; but only Congress can crush out this cruel, this wicked, this infamous, this damnable treason in the Cabinet..." Fine condition.
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