LS as Secretary of State, signed “Danl. Webster,” one page both sides, 4 x 6, October 28, 1850. In full: “I thank you for your letter of the 22nd: & will be quite obliged to you to send me a copy of your Pamphlet to Washington. I have not yet recd the copy mentioned in your Letter. I think a considerable number of the article[s] might be usefully distributed in & from Washington. I thank you my dear Sir for the friendly sentiments which you express in regard to my recent political conduct….” In Webster's infamous "Seventh of March Address" to the Senate four months earlier, he supported the Compromise of 1850, five separate laws that were intended to balance sectional interests by (1) admitting California to the union as a free state; (2) allowing the New Mexico and Utah territories to determine the slavery issue by relying on popular sovereignty; (3) reimbursing Texas $10 million from the federal government for the loss of the New Mexico territory; (4) abolishing the slave trade in the District of Columbia; and (5) enacting a new, harsher Fugitive Slave Act. All five bills passed. As secretary of state, Webster supervised the strict enforcement of the Fugitive Slave Act. His stand infuriated and alienated Northern antislavery forces and divided the Whig party, but delayed secession of the Southern states—and war—for a few years. The letter has been tape hinged to an early 8.5 x 11.5 card to which has also been affixed the free-franked address panel and wax seal. Hinging as noted, and light soiling to mailing panel, otherwise fine condition. RRAuction COA.
