American statesman and diplomat (1806–1876) who served as a brigadier general in the Confederate army, where he fought beside Lee at Appomattox Court House. His most notable act as Governor of Virginia (1856–1859) was to sign the death warrant of famed abolitionist John Brown. ALS, one page, 8 x 10, June 8, 1840. Letter to William P. Walker. In full: “I intend going to the Harrison festival on Thursday, and—Deo volento [God willing]—shall Tippecanoe it from this to the fall.” Second integral page bears an address panel in Wise’s hand. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, a couple lightly affecting signature, light wrinkling and creasing, and toning to address panel.
Wise carried considerable influence among leaders of the Whig Party, who eloquently encouraged them to throw their support behind John Tyler of Virginia as William Henry Harrison’s running mate in the 1840 presidential election. Though commonplace in today’s society, the 1840 election was the first campaign with slogans, songs, and campaign paraphernalia. The slogan that became best known was "Tippecanoe and Tyler too"—a reference to the Battle of Tippecanoe won by Harrison against the Indians in the War of 1812. With political panache, the Whigs remade Harrison, who had been an uninspired military leader, into a great war hero. As for Tyler, his nomination was seen as a proof of the States-rights character of the Whigs, as the nominee had been an advocate of strict Democratic principles. The “Harrison festival” mentioned here was likely a rally in support of the future ninth president and his running mate, “Old Tippecanoe,” the future tenth Chief Executive. RRAuction COA.
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