Lot 197

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Description:

Twelve letters with American historical significance and signatures (1827-1893): 1887 SIGNED letter from William Taft about the Lodge "Rite," an 1868 political letter to Horatio Seymour of "Go West Young Man" fame.
The content of the letter from William Taft, dated 1887, refers to "the Rite." By all accounts, Taft did not become a Mason until 1909. He is writes to "Bro. Meullen" about a conflict related to music being provided for an event. He ends the letter with the following: "It is very humiliating to be forced to make this confession, but I never enter the hall that a sense of embarrassment does not possess me and makes me feel as though I had no business there. I have burdens upon me that absorb my resources and prevent me doin as I should like to otherwise. No one should outdo me in liberality towards the Rite. I was under the impression that the trustees met on Tuesday. I have on Monday that will prevent me from attending. With regards. Fraternally I am William Taft."

Letter to Horatio Seymour in part shares, "Dear Sir- By your speeches through the West I see you have fallen into that fatal mistake of endeavoring to array the West against the East. At present the worst disunion sentiment that can be promulgated. The most dangerous to the Republic- and really the most fatal blow that could be struck at the Democratic Party. We are charged with sympathy with Rebellion at the South before, during and since the Rebellion. Now the additional load for us to carry is to be an attempt to carry the West against East."

Also includes five letters (1853-1855) from Samuel Mason, a student or teacher at R.U. Academy, Meriden, N.H. on a variety of subjects including fraternity life, assessment of professors, Bible School, Know Nothings and Free Soilers, Professor leaving to lead a school in Newburyport Mass for an annual payment of $1100.

Additional letters include 1879 Montana Territory letter with Eureka Mine content, 1827 letter stating trouble from an invading ship from Liverpool to Maine; three letters from surveyors from Iowa and Wisconsin: 1849 hiring an assistant, 1851 falling tree killed another surveyor written from camp, 1854 Settlers disappointed with Nebraska but Omaha City is improving.
7 3/4"H x 9 3/4"W (Horatio)

    Dimensions:
  • 7 3/4"H x 9 3/4"W (Horatio)

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November 7, 2020 11:00 AM EST
Indianapolis, IN, US

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