HORACE GREELEY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 01/18/1870 - HFSID 264408

HORACE GREELEY. Autograph Letter signed: "Horace Greeley", 1 p, folded to 5x5¾. On letterhead of New York Tribune. New York, 1870 January 18. To "Dear Sir". In full: "The bearer is my friend H. L. Stuart Esq. Of this city, who visits Washington on business, and wishes to claim your attention. I commend him to your consideration. Yours." GREELEY founded the "New York Tribune" in 1841 and edited it until his death. His newspaper, competitive in price with the "penny press" but less sensational, was the first to give its writers individual by-lines and the first with a literary and book review department. The "Tribune" had wide readership and influence, and many of his editorial quips became famous. ("Go West, young man," was one.) He was steadfast in support of many causes, such as antislavery, temperance, and the rights of labor, but he could be mercurial at times. (His swift reversal of opinion on the secession of the southern states is reflected in two 1861 "Tribune" editorials: "Go in Peace, Errant Sisters," followed shortly by "On to Richmond.") He served as a Whig in Congress for three months (1848-1849) to fill a vacancy and did not seek reelection. As the Democratic and Liberal Republican parties' presidential nominee in 1872, he was defeated by President Grant, who was seeking reelection. On November 28, 1872, just 23 days after the election, Greeley, worn out by the grueling campaign, died at the age of 61. Tape on verso to prevent paper separation at folds shows through faintly. Nail head sized ink spot near right edge touches "t" in Washington. Slightly soiled. Overall, fine condition.