DOUGLAS, STEPHEN A., Senator, Democratic candidate for President. Autograph letter signed ("S.A. Douglas") to N. Prescott of Saint Louis; Washington, D.C., 29 June 1860. 2 1/2 pages, 4to, marked "Confidential" at top of first page, the two leaves partly separated. THE CLIMAX OF DOUGLAS'S DOOMED CAMPAIGN FOR THE PRESIDENCY A revealing political letter dated only six days after Douglas -- the champion of popular sovereignty who had boldly denounced the secession movement -- was nominated for President by a divided Democratic party whose Southern delegates had bolted to nominate their own candidate, John C. Breckinridge. "Nothing but the constant demands on my time night and day has prevented my writing you before... Our friends here are organizing thoroughly for the fight. The [Democratic] Executive Committee...will be active & vigilant until the election. Our friends are forming their electoral tickit [ sic ] in every state in the South as well as the North. We receive the most cheering news from New York, Penn[,] N Jersey &c.etc. The demonstrations for Breckenridge in those states are sure to have been gotten up by the Republicans in order to create the impression abroad that the Democratic Party is divided. The Telegraphic reports about a compromise by running a double headed tickett...is regarded by our friends as a miserable trick, disgraceful to those who propose it and insulting to us.....I am informed that one of your Senators has said...that 'Douglas would be the candidate in Missouri by common consent until after the August election, but that then he would be thrown overboard & Breckenridge would be taken up.' The Secessionists & Administration are counting largely on this movement and openly brag of its certain success...One blast from your trumpet will blow this this scheme to atoms. The Secessionists are becoming alarmed & desparate. They are dismayed by the coolness, energy and determination of our friends. The reaction in our favor has already commenced. "A bold fight in the South will enable us to make great accessions in the North. I have just written my letter of acceptance [of the nomination]. It has been sent off by the Associated Press reporter tonight, so you will see it long before you get this." "The popular vote in the election of 1860 was a personal triumph for Douglas, for he alone of all the candidates drew votes from every section of the country....It is difficult to escape the conclusion...that popular sovereignty has a strong hold upon the instincts of nine-tenths of the American people" (Allen Johnson in DAB).
DOUGLAS, STEPHEN A., Senator, Democratic candidate for President. Autograph letter signed ("S.A. Douglas") to N. Prescott of Saint Louis; Washington, D.C., 29 June 1860. 2 1/2 pages, 4to, marked "Confidential" at top of first page, the two leaves partly separated. THE CLIMAX OF DOUGLAS'S DOOMED CAMPAIGN FOR THE PRESIDENCY A revealing political letter dated only six days after Douglas -- the champion of popular sovereignty who had boldly denounced the secession movement -- was nominated for President by a divided Democratic party whose Southern delegates had bolted to nominate their own candidate, John C. Breckinridge. "Nothing but the constant demands on my time night and day has prevented my writing you before... Our friends here are organizing thoroughly for the fight. The [Democratic] Executive Committee...will be active & vigilant until the election. Our friends are forming their electoral tickit [ sic ] in every state in the South as well as the North. We receive the most cheering news from New York, Penn[,] N Jersey &c.etc. The demonstrations for Breckenridge in those states are sure to have been gotten up by the Republicans in order to create the impression abroad that the Democratic Party is divided. The Telegraphic reports about a compromise by running a double headed tickett...is regarded by our friends as a miserable trick, disgraceful to those who propose it and insulting to us.....I am informed that one of your Senators has said...that 'Douglas would be the candidate in Missouri by common consent until after the August election, but that then he would be thrown overboard & Breckenridge would be taken up.' The Secessionists & Administration are counting largely on this movement and openly brag of its certain success...One blast from your trumpet will blow this this scheme to atoms. The Secessionists are becoming alarmed & desparate. They are dismayed by the coolness, energy and determination of our friends. The reaction in our favor has already commenced. "A bold fight in the South will enable us to make great accessions in the North. I have just written my letter of acceptance [of the nomination]. It has been sent off by the Associated Press reporter tonight, so you will see it long before you get this." "The popular vote in the election of 1860 was a personal triumph for Douglas, for he alone of all the candidates drew votes from every section of the country....It is difficult to escape the conclusion...that popular sovereignty has a strong hold upon the instincts of nine-tenths of the American people" (Allen Johnson in DAB).
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
