Uncommon pairing of ALSs from James Murray Mason and John Slidell, the two Confederate envoys that were removed from the British mail packet RMS Trent by the U.S. Navy during the Civil War; their capture was protested vigorously by the British government and threatened a war between the United States and Great Britain, an 1861 diplomatic incident known as the Trent Affair.
The Slidell handwritten letter, signed “John Slidell,” one page, 7.75 x 9, June 4, 1844, in part: “I yesterday declined to sign a letter recommending you for appointment as Collector of New Orleans. I have recommended no one for appointment & shall not recommend anyone.” The Mason letter, signed “J. M. Mason,” one page, 7.75 x 9.25, July 10, 1851, noting that he “cheerfully writes in recommending [James W. Huston of Newmarket, Vermont] him for appointment as clerk in one of the departments in Washington.” Both letters are individually matted and framed with carte-de-visite portraits and information sheets to an overall size of 21.5 x 14.75. In overall fine condition.
