Beschreibung:

TYLER, John. Three autograph letters signed ("J. Tyler") to Mrs. Juliana Gardiner, 9 October 1844, AS PRESIDENT; to Alexander Gardiner 5 June 1850; and to Alexander Gardiner 20 October 1850. Together 6 pages, 4to , TWO OF THE LETTERS CONTAIN AUTOGRAPH FREE FRANKS. [ With :] 2 additional Free Franks on autograph letters from Julia Gardiner Polk to her Mother and 3 additional autograph free franks on unaddressed envelopes. In all, 7 Tyler free franks. RIOTS, ABOLITIONISTS AND WHEAT THIEVES. In his 1844 letter to his mother-in-law, written as President, Tyler explains his unwillingness to go visiting the in-laws: "The state of political excitement prevailing every where, and particularly in the large cities, seemed to render it more prudent on every account that I should for a season avoid them." Anti-immigrant riots and violent clashes between pro and anti-slavery factions had rocked Philadelphia, Boston and New York in the long hot summer of 1844. The two letters as ex-President contain tragic news and mention more political troubles: on 5 June 1850 he reports the death in child-birth of his daughter Elizabeth Tyler Waller, at age 27. On 20 October 1850 he tells Alexander Gardiner that thieves stole about 800 bushels of wheat from his barns, and he lashes out at the abolitionist press: "I see that you have been furiously assailed by the Abolitionists and by no paper more violently than the Atlas. I am glad to see the Pilot, which I send you, gives the editors a slight touch up. All good and true Patriots praise you, and as to the motley crew who clamour, they are scarcely worthy of note." Tyler's decided pro-slavery sympathies led him to be the only ex-President to join the Confederacy. Elected to the Rebel Congress, he died before he could claim his seat. Three autograph Tyler letter and, in all, seven Tyler free franks . (3)