CHARLES M. REED - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 07/28/1864 - HFSID 276576

CHARLES MANNING REED
He urges a New Hampshire Congressman to support George McClellan at the Democratic Convention in order to "sweep the present incumbent [Lincoln] & his minions from power."
Autograph Letter signed: "Charles M Reed", 3p (integral leaf), 5x8. New York, 1864 July 28. To Hon. Daniel Marcy". Docketed on verso. In full: "The admirable address submitted for the consideration of the American Democracy, put before them by the United action of Gentlemen Members of the late Congress, sound Democrats, Meets with a hearty & warm endorsement by all who truly sympathize with and desire a speedy reconstruction of our once prosperous and happy Country. In union there is strength and it is all important that our Convention which is soon to assemble in Chicago for the Nomination of Constitutional Men as Candidates for the Two high Offices in this Government should be harmonious in its action determined to be United, platform or no platform - for our Success in the Coming Campaign can not be doubted if we only act in concert, every obstacle in our way can be subdued and Victory can perch upon our Banners, and when once more in power I trust for an humble individual, always a democrat that our bleeding Country will assume he wanted calmness and with our president and Vice president in the Chair of State the Laws will once more be faithfully executed under a complete restoration of the Old Union, pardon my addressing you as a stranger, still my apology is the sympathy which your late Address inspires in my Mind, in each of its suggestions I would indeed feel pleased to hear from You as to the present prospects in your State, once so noble an emblem of Old Sound Democracy. Isaac Hill Atherton, Woodbury, all true men great & good, men who figured in the page of History, whose hand writings figured in their devotions to Constitutional American Liberty. May we not cherish a hope one lingering hope that the Old Granite State may yet return and resume her place with other bright constellations in the proud and defiant Column of Democratic States. Does Genl Geo B McLellan [sic] stand favorably with Your Delegation for the Presidency. We must have a man who will sweep the present incumbent & his minions from power, for the Union is Sacred & must be preserved. Very truly". CHARLES MANNING REED (1803-1871), a Pennsylvania businessman engaged in shipping and banking, had served one term in the US Congress (1843-1845). Interestingly he was elected as a Whig, not as a Democrat. The deep national divisions leading up to the Civil War caused many to change party allegiance. DANIEL MANNING (1809-1893), the addressee, a past and future New Hampshire legislator, also served one term in the US Congress (1863-1865). Reed's hope for the nomination of General George McClellan as the Democratic candidate for President was fulfilled, but none of his other wishes came to fruition. Union army victories, including the capture of Atlanta, made it clear that the war's successful conclusion was not far off. Lincoln won 55% of the popular vote, carrying New Hampshire and all but two other states in the Union. Manning himself lost his bid for re-election. Reed's call for Democratic Party unity - "with or without a platform", reflects deep divisions in the Party over whether to support or oppose the war. In fact, the Chicago convention adopted an anti-war platform, which candidate McClellan repudiated. Toned. Mailing folds. Overall, fine condition.