American statesman (1782 -1866) who served variously as governor of Michigan, senator, ambassador to France, secretary of war, and secretary of state. LS signed “Lew. Cass,” one page, 7.75 x 10, March 19, 1846. Letter to Silas B. Gridley. In part: “I have rec’d your letter of March 14. I have to thank you for the favorable sentiments you are pleased to express in relation to my course on the Oregon Question. The approbation of his countrymen is the highest reward to which a public man can look.” Accompanied by the original free franked mailing envelope, franked in the upper right, “Free, Lew. Cass.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, scattered toning and soiling, and pencil notation remnants to top of letter. The envelope shows scattered toning and soiling, with a tear to front panel. In 1844, the Oregon boundary dispute (or Oregon Question) arose as a result of competing British and American claims to the territory, with both nations holding lucrative commercial aspirations in the area. While serving as Senator of Michigan, Cass was a leading voice for American control of the area, honing in on the invigorating popular sentiments of expansionism and manifest destiny, going so far as to threaten war against the British if they did not give up the territory completely. A rare letter from the long-standing American politician regarding one of his most aggressive calls to action.
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