ALS, one page both sides, 7.75 x 10, November 19, 1855. Important political letter to his son Robert Tyler. In part: "The course which you suggest for my political conduct, is precisely that which I have adopted. I am in all sincerity for Mr. [Henry Alexander] Wise, and shall truly rejoice if one so correct in opinion and so honorable in action can be elevated to the Presidency. If he surrounded himself by Councillors of the same high order with himself, the country might be saved. But I confess that I am almost in despair, although I bear constantly in mind the Roman maxim ‘never to despair of the Republic.'
Have you read in the Herald of last week the article from the London news under the hand of the Pacific News. It is a direct appeal to the North to break up the Union, accompanied with a long and bitter tirade against the South. If there is not Patriotism enough in New England to revolt against that, or if the scales over their eyes is not remov’d by it, then treason is spread broadcast and there is required no ghost from his grave to tell us that the end is nigh. Rely upon it that the next four years will prove to be the turning point of our destiny, and that it requires no ordinary man at the head of affairs to weather the storm. I even doubt whether the Presidency would be desirable. He would be but a wreck in history, whose administration should witness a destruction of the government. But I must here end my gloomy reflections as I have to avail myself of the passing boat for this letter." In fine condition. Accompanied by an attractive custom-made presentation folder with a quarter leather binding.
With the support of his friend John Tyler, Henry A. Wise had won the 1855 election for governor of Virginia. His sweeping victory was enough to bring his name to the forefront of early Democratic Party conversations for their presidential candidate in 1856. James Buchanan ultimately received the nomination and was elected to the White House, where he proved ineffectual and did little more than preside over a rapidly disintegrating Union. A remarkable, clairvoyant letter by Tyler written during a politically tumultuous period in American history.
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