GEORGE BANCROFT - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 08/26/1851 - HFSID 320482

GEORGE BANCROFT
The United States Cabinet member wrote this letter from Newport, Rhode Island in 1851, sending a check for $2965.98 to the Cashier of the Bank of the State of New York.
Autograph letter signed: "George Bancroft", 1p, 8x10. Newport, R.J. 26 August 1851. To "The Cashier of the Bank of the State of New York". In full: "My dear Sir, I send you today a check in light of Mr. Blackwand & Co Boston [item not included}.  I have made it payable to you and I have explained to Mr. Lawrence what I wish to do with the money. $2965 98/100". Historian George Bancroft (1800-1891) is best known for his ten-volume History of the United States (1834-1873). Bancroft wrote well, and was accurate with his facts, but had a partisan viewpoint. (He was a Jacksonian Democrat, although one opposed to slavery). As President James K. Polk's first Secretary of the Navy (1845-1846), Bancroft established the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, finding the funds for the institution in his budget before Congress had authorized its creation. As Acting Secretary of War (1846), he issued orders to General Zachary Taylor to advance into territory disputed with Mexico, a move which triggered the Mexican War.He later served as the U.S. Minister to Great Britain (1846-1849), Prussia (1867-1871) and Germany (1871-1874). A check for the amount of $2965.98 was worth exponentially more in 1851 than it does today--Bancroft dished out a modern equivalent of over $64,000!  Multiple mailing folds. Creased and toned. ¾ tear in center of page. Otherwise, fine condition.