Magnificent pair of ALSs, each one lightly-lined page, 7.75 x 9.75, Washington, addressed to Attorney General of Pennsylvania John C. Knox. The first, dated October 15, 1860, in part: “While examining the cost dockets of the Supreme Court last week I noticed the case of Erie & UCR Road v Casey in which the costs do not appear to have been paid here by the Company. You are entitled to a docket fee of $20…As soon as the Clerk furnishes me the papers & accounts I have ordered the statement in respect to the Wheeling Bridge case will be ready & furnished you…Your election turned out as I anticipated from your letter of Monday would be the result. It seems conceded that Lincoln’s election is inevitable. What then?” The second, dated January 12, 1861, in part: “I am unable to express my thankfulness & sense of obligation to you & Governor Packer for your prompt action to save Mr Hutchison from the painful consequences of judicial brutality & outrage—and to spare his mother & sisters from the anguish occasion by that brutality. I shall be grateful to you my whole life. In respect to myself also I thank you for your kind words and approval. My desire is to perform my duty. The action of your Executive has afforded a strong support to the Government which is highly appreciated by your friends here. We have no news but what you see in the papers.” In the three days preceding this letter, Mississippi, Florida, and Alabama had seceded from the Union, and Pennsylvania’s governor released a statement declaring that there was no constitutional right to secede, thus Stanton’s comment at the conclusion. In overall fine condition, with intersecting folds. RR Auction COA.
