Daniel Webster ALS To Boston Editor, With Bonus Free Frank!

A 1p autograph letter signed by American statesman Daniel Webster (1782-1852), as "Danl Webster" at center. N.p., November 15, [n.y.] On pale blue bifold paper, the inner pages blank and the last page serving as an integral address leaf also engrossed by Webster and free franked with his initials "D.W." Docketed in pencil at the bottom of the first page. Expected weathering including paper folds, else near fine. 4.875" x 8."

The presence of Webster's free frank indicates that this letter was sent sometime during his long political career which spanned between 1813-1852. Webster addressed this letter to newspaper editor Nathan Hale, Jr. (1818-1871). Hale, Jr. was the oldest son of Nathan Hale (1784-1863), the founder of the "Boston Daily Advertiser" who served as its longtime publisher and editor between 1813-1863.

Webster wrote in part: "My Dear Sir, Will you be kind enough to tell me whom I shall address, at Salem, for the purpose of finding the old file of the Centinel? Yrs truly Daniel Webster."

The "Centinel" was probably the "Sentinel," another local newspaper. The docket note reads: "The files from the Centinel office are at the Advertiser office -."

Webster was one of the most revered statesmen of his day. The Dartmouth College graduate represented New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the U.S. Congress (both in the House of Representatives and the Senate) before serving as U.S. Secretary of State during the Harrison, Tyler, and Fillmore administrations. Webster’s influence was secured during the 1830s, when he represented the Northern voice of the so-called “Great Triumvirate, along with Western mouthpiece and Kentucky senator Henry Clay and Southern spokesman and South Carolina senator John C. Calhoun. Webster was known for his extremely refined oratorical skills, leading some to call him “Godlike Dan."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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