TYLER, John. Autograph letter signed ("John Tyler") as President, to Hon. D. Henshaw, Washington, 5 March 1844. 2 full pages, 4to, thin mourning border on one page. Fine. FOLLOWING THE CATASTROPHIC "PRINCETON" EXPLOSION, A PRESIDENT IN MOURNING BEMOANS THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE: "WAS THERE EVER AN ADMINISTRATION SO MARKED?" A week earlier, on 28 February, President Tyler and a party of civilian and military dignataries had accompanied the new steam warship USS Princeton on a brief cruise up the Potomac, where they were to be treated to the test firing of the "Peacemaker," a very large naval cannon. When fired, though, the new gun exploded at its breech, killing the Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Gilmer, the Secretary of State A.P. Upshur and others including the President's father-in-law and his valet. Tyler, who was below decks at the time of the explosion, was severely shaken by the incident. Here, he thanks Henshaw for his letter of condolence, and informs him of his condition: "...I have brac'd myself up to the utmost to endure the sad and almost irreperable privation which I have experienced. Sometimes I almost despond. The embarassments thrown recently in my way by the action of the Senate, and now followed up by an act of Providence would seem to be directed to my undoing, but I will not despond. I shall therefore rouse myself to further action. I will once more invite, as heretofore, to take part in every council men of the highest order of intellect, and throwing myself into the hands of the great father of all, implore unceasingly his support of me in my efforts for the common good of my beloved country...Was there ever a [presidential] administration so marked? And yet I cannot doubt but that 'whatever is is right,' and I bow in humility before the throne of omnipotence...." This is the only letter of President Tyler in reference to the Princeton tragedy to have been offered at auction since 1975, according to ABPC. Tyler--quite literally a President without a party--was subjected thoughout his term to a notably uncooperative and hostile Senate which failed to approve his appointments and declined to ratify several treaties, including that providing for Texas's annexation.
TYLER, John. Autograph letter signed ("John Tyler") as President, to Hon. D. Henshaw, Washington, 5 March 1844. 2 full pages, 4to, thin mourning border on one page. Fine. FOLLOWING THE CATASTROPHIC "PRINCETON" EXPLOSION, A PRESIDENT IN MOURNING BEMOANS THE OPPOSITION IN THE SENATE: "WAS THERE EVER AN ADMINISTRATION SO MARKED?" A week earlier, on 28 February, President Tyler and a party of civilian and military dignataries had accompanied the new steam warship USS Princeton on a brief cruise up the Potomac, where they were to be treated to the test firing of the "Peacemaker," a very large naval cannon. When fired, though, the new gun exploded at its breech, killing the Secretary of the Navy Thomas W. Gilmer, the Secretary of State A.P. Upshur and others including the President's father-in-law and his valet. Tyler, who was below decks at the time of the explosion, was severely shaken by the incident. Here, he thanks Henshaw for his letter of condolence, and informs him of his condition: "...I have brac'd myself up to the utmost to endure the sad and almost irreperable privation which I have experienced. Sometimes I almost despond. The embarassments thrown recently in my way by the action of the Senate, and now followed up by an act of Providence would seem to be directed to my undoing, but I will not despond. I shall therefore rouse myself to further action. I will once more invite, as heretofore, to take part in every council men of the highest order of intellect, and throwing myself into the hands of the great father of all, implore unceasingly his support of me in my efforts for the common good of my beloved country...Was there ever a [presidential] administration so marked? And yet I cannot doubt but that 'whatever is is right,' and I bow in humility before the throne of omnipotence...." This is the only letter of President Tyler in reference to the Princeton tragedy to have been offered at auction since 1975, according to ABPC. Tyler--quite literally a President without a party--was subjected thoughout his term to a notably uncooperative and hostile Senate which failed to approve his appointments and declined to ratify several treaties, including that providing for Texas's annexation.
Try LotSearch and its premium features for 7 days - without any costs!
Be notified automatically about new items in upcoming auctions.
Create an alert
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
