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Auction: 317 - The Collector's Series
Lot: 1083

Civil War: Seward, William Henry. Secretary of State (1861-1869), Governor of New York (1839-1842), New York Senator, perhaps best known for his acquisition of Alaska from Russia for the U.S. in 1867 - mocked by the public as ""Seward's Folly". Autograph Letter Signed "William H. Seward". One page, 7 ¾ x 9 ¾", Department of State letterhead, Washington, D.C., May 4, 1864. Writing to George W. Curtis, Esq., Seward says "Assuming that the sad news of the death of Wm. Thayer is true, I have the permission of the President to tender to you the position of Consul General at Alexandria. Will you please advise me if you will accept it?" At top left, Seward has written "Confidential". The sad news was true, William Sydney Thayer, U.S. Consul-General at Alexandria, Egypt had died. Although little known today, Thayer was highly regarded in the Civil War and pre-War eras. Curtis did not fill the position, as Charles Hale became US Consul-General at Alexandria that year. Bold ink, some staining in right margin, Fine. Accompanied by a pleasing profile illustration of Seward by contemporary W.B. Brady. [2]

Sold for
$200