Description:

Millard Fillmore ALS on Land Disputes in Ft. Madison, Iowa

An autograph letter signed by Millard Fillmore as a member of the House of Representatives. 1p, measuring 8" x 10", [Washington, D.C.] House of Representatives, dated December 18, 1837. Signed "Millard Fillmore" and addressed to Philip Viele, Esq. Fillmore discusses settlers in the Western Territory and the hurdles they might face with government regulations. The letter has flattened mail folds, edge toning, and faint foxing. Boldly signed.

In full:
"Yours of the 4th inst. has this moment come to hand, and I enclose you by this mail a copy of the Rules of our House as desired. It will give me great pleasure to do anything in my power, not inconsistent with my official duty, to aid the hardy settlers of your Western Territory, but without expecting a definitive opinion, candor compells me to declare that the inclination of my mind is against these preemptive laws, as having a direct tendency to encourage trespassing upon the public domain, that often results in disgraceful conflicts between the government and its citizens. But I will hear patiently and decide afterwards. Our triumph in N. York is indeed glorious. We are all in high spirits."

Millard Fillmore was writing to Philip Viele (1799-1881), an “early attorney and prominent citizen” of Fort Madison, Lee County, Iowa. Viele had studied law in New York but relocated to Fort Madison in June 1837 and took an active part as a Whig in local politics. He was elected for four terms as President of the village, and later Mayor of the town. One year prior to this letter, on July 2, 1836, Congress had passed an Act providing for the platting of certain tracts of land in the Black Hawk Purchase into town sites. One of these tracts was the site of Fort Madison, and a later, supplementary Act was approved by President Jackson on March 3, 1837. The original Platte was accepted by the commissioners, with the exception of the fractional lots between Front Street and the river, which were made public property. The first sale of lots in the Government survey was made at the land office in Burlington, in the fall of 1838, but those who had purchased lots from the original founders of the town were protected by provisions of the law, the holders of the property receiving patents direct from the United States. It is possible that it is these Acts that are being referenced by Fillmore in his letter.

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.

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