Representative and senator from Kentucky who opposed secession (1801–1872). ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 10, Washington, December 10, 1843. Letter to General Leslie Combs, regarding his plan to campaign for Henry Clay in Virginia. In part: “Victory is in our reach; but it is not to be won by the great principles & measures for which we contend, nor by the Genius statesmanship & long & eminent public services of our candidate alone. Organization, labor, persevering labor will be required, & the party that excels in this will win the day. In Virginia, Kentucky, in every State in short we must fight as though the vote of that State was essential to elect Mr. Clay, & every whig in every State ought to strike as though that State was to be carried by the vigor of his own arm & then a glorious victory awaits us!” Intersecting folds with trivial separations (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature), light overall toning, and show-through from writing to opposing sides, otherwise fine condition. RR Auction COA.
