Lincoln Appointed Diplomat John Bigelow Honored; Kept England from Supporting Confederacy

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]