Lot 280

Previous image preload Next image preload

Description:

James Polk Fascinating Letter Sheet, Epistle I. Mary to James K. Polk

2pp of a bifolium, measuring 5.75" x 8.875", New York, dated January 1, 1846. A printed copy of a letter, addressed to President James K. Polk from Mary Polk. A remarkable correspondence in which the sender deeply criticizes Polk's policies and details the ways in which he might change. The pages appear to have been taken from a larger volume, with the last page (blank) acting as an address page. Addressed to A.H. Green Esq., Corresponding Secretary, American Agricultural Association in New York. With a postmark of February 8, [no year]. The letter, entitled "Epistle I. Mary to James K. Polk" reads in part:

"I, a native born American woman, come cordially to wish you a happy new year, and a better fate than you are, perhaps unknowingly, provoking, to wit: I wish you to adopt a wiser policy - more becoming language towards foreign powers - greater circumspection towards men who unite in themselves honesty, talent, and courage - less selfishness - more disinterested love of country - less servility to vile party purposes - more frankness, and less duplicity towards your friends and thinking persons - less fondness for that abominable scourge, Slavery, the so-called glory of our nation - less strenuousness to obtain an impossible re-election - a deeper study of the law of nations, of international law, of universal law, and of yourself - not so much studied hypocrisy in your manners - less hostility to dancing - a stronger curb on your blind passions - a little more kindness to the unfortunate, and not such unmeasured confidence in your own moral powers - a more philosophical resistance to the mania of conquest, or, rather, ursurpation, now-a-days so ridiculously prevalent, and which so fatally threatens the political existence of the republic - some deference to salutary advice - some republicanism in protecting the rights of your fellow-citizens, and in doing full justice to each and every one of them - less cool indifference in plunging honest and able office-holders into misery and despair - not such furious avidity for vain and poisonous praises from hungry, cringing flatterers of every description - a complete distrust in the Marcian and Walkerian suggestions, which might prodigiously hasten your political shipwreck - less reliance in the support of the venerable child, whom you have made the fatal blunder to choose for your official organist - but, above all, and before all, less indulgence of your vindictive disposition, feelings, and deeds…"

The printed letter is accompanied by two printed images of James K. Polk and his wife. It has edge and fold toning, with light soiling throughout. There is a hole at the left edge from where the wax seal was broken.

Although James K. Polk (1795-1849) is generally viewed by historians as a capable and successful president, he has also been roundly criticized for his inadvisable war with Mexico and his inability to assuage tensions between slave and non-slave states. His territorial expansion led to such events as Bleeding Kansas, and ultimately set the stage for the Civil War. Those who knew him describe Polk as extremely ambitious, which may have been viewed by those in opposition to him, such as Mary, as ruthlessness.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.


WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

We do our own in-house worldwide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses who proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with signature required, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice, unless you inform us otherwise, immediately upon your receipt of invoice***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third Party Shipping Option: If a third party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third party Please copy and paste this following link into your browser: http://universityarchives.com/UserFiles/ShippingInfo.pdf. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third party shippers.


After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 5 business days following receipt of full payment for item.


Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

March 3, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of up to 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000