Politician (1805–1885) who was the first person to represent California in the US Senate. After leaving office, he was arrested and imprisoned during the Civil War for his opposition to the federal government but paroled in 1866 by President Andrew Johnson. ALS signed “W. M Gwin,” one page, lightly-lined, 7.75 x 9.75 affixed to a slightly larger sheet, December 1860. Brief letter written to the librarian of congress requesting copies of books in his difficult-to-decipher hand. In fine condition, with uniform toning, a few small holes in the paper, and slight show-through from paste on the reverse. RRAuction COA.
