Five-Item Assemblage From Two Notable Massachusetts Abolitionists -- Sumner, Hoar

Offering a fine assemblage of 5 items from Massachusetts abolitionist CHARLES SUMNER and E.R. HOAR: three ALSs by Hoar, his autograph with sentiments and Sumner’s autograph.

Hoar’s letters, 4pp total, different sizes, are addressed to “Chief Justice,” “Phineas Bates,” and “Charles W. Ruthe.” The first to Bates explains that he could not answer earlier because of the Continental Celebration. In the second to Ruthe, he sends his autograph. The third to the Chief Justice asks him to adjourn Municipal Court to help someone in Dedham, MA.
Signatures: Ebenezer R. Hoar. "Perfectly convenient / E.R. Hoar." 2x4 inches. 22 January 1875.  Charles Sumner. 2x5 inches.

SUMNER (1811 – 1874) is regarded as an avid abolitionist, a powerful orator and a leader of the Radical Republicans in the U.S. Senate. During Reconstruction, he fought to minimize the power of the ex-Confederates and guarantee equal rights to the freedman. On May 22, 1856, South Carolina Democratic Congressman Preston Brooks nearly killed Sumner with a cane on the Senate floor after Sumner delivered an anti-slavery speech, “The Crime Against Kansas.” In the speech, Sumner called Brooks’ cousin a pimp for slavery.

HOAR (1816 – 1895) began his political career as an anti-slavery Whig Party member. He worked with his father to form the Free Soil Party of Massachusetts. The new party exposed the extension of slavery in Western Territories.  served as U.S. Attorney General from 1869 – 1870 and was the first head of the Department of Justice. 

Minor mounting residue on two items.

Everything we sell is guaranteed authentic forever to the original buyer. We also offer a 30-day return policy. If you discover a problem or are dissatisfied with an item, please contact us immediately. Our goal is to please every customer.  We are pleased to be members of The Manuscript Society, Universal Autograph Collectors Club, The Ephemera Society, the Southern New England Antiquarian Booksellers and the Preferred Autograph Dealers and Auction Houses. [WH P 167]