Politician and lawyer (1801-1873) representative from Pennsylvania for two terms, first elected as a Free Soil candidate and later as a Whig. ALS signed “John W. Howe,” one page, lightly-lined both sides, 8 x 10, March 11, 1861. Letter to Salmon P. Chase offering his support the newly appointed Secretary of the Treasury in the Lincoln Administration. In part: “I am no part of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that protested against your appointment to the high position you occupy, that came from the whisky drinking, trading, compromising portion of Penna-You understand it-I congratulate you on your success, but I congratulate the Republican Party even more-I devoutly pray that Mr Lincoln and the Republican Portion of his Cabinet may be able to hold Mr Seward and Mr Cameron Level-Mr Lincoln has made a fair start; if he keeps the even-tenor of his way law and good government must be restored after a while.” Intersecting folds, a few small pencil notations, and some light toning, otherwise fine condition. Provenance: Carnegie Book Shop, Cat. 249, November 3, 1960; The Collection of Henry E. Luhrs. RRAuction COA.
