President
Lincoln appointed JOHN BIGELOW
(1817-1911) as American Consul in Paris. Bigelow progressed to Charge
d’Affaires and Envoy Extraordinary and Minster Plenipotentiary to the Court of Napoleon
III. He began his political career as a reformed Democrat, working with William
Cullen Bryant in New York. His anti-slavery convictions led him to leave the
party and join the Free-Soil Party. Working with Charles Francis Adams, the
American Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Bigelow helped to block attempts to
have France and the United Kingdom enter the American Civil War in favor of the
Confederacy, playing an important role in the Union victory. In 1865, he was
appointed American Ambassador to France. Upon his return to the United States,
he assisted his friend Samuel J. Tilden in opposing the corruption that
flourished in New York City under William Marcy Tweed. Bigelow enjoyed
universal respect. He decided to rejoin the Democratic Party, accepted its
nomination and was elected Secretary of State of New York, a position he held
until 1876. When the Democrats nominated Tilden for president, Bigelow served
as Tilden’s campaign manager. We’re offering a 15-page tract “Commemorative
Tribute to John Bigelow by William M. Sloan Read in the 1917 Lecture Series of
the American Academy of Arts and Letters.” The tract contains a wonderful
biography on Bigelow, highlighting his many accomplishments.
Very
nice Civil War Americana from this important figure. Comes with a print
photograph of Bigelow.
Light
toning, but in excellent condition.
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 and The Ephemera Society. [CW 109]