HORACE GREELEY - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/07/1864 - HFSID 1783

HORACE GREELEY
Horace Greeley wrote this letter on New York Tribune stationery in 1864 about the publication of a book on Texas. Greeley was the founder and editor of the New York Tribune.
Autograph letter signed "Horace Greeley". 2 pages, 5x8, 1 sheet, front and verso, on New York Tribune stationery. April 7, 1864. Addressed to O. O. Case, Esq. Hartford, Connecticut. In full: "Dear Sir: I returned the Texas book to Mr. Albarse at least two days ago. It was detoured one day by a boy's neglect or blunder. Had Alfred sent a boy to me with the book, directed to wait till it was revised, he would have had it at once. Had he given it to my secretary (who goes to his office almost every eve-ning) he would have also been sure of its prompt return. I hope there is to be no mistake about the Steel Engravings. I sent my last copy, except contents, yesterday, and [illegible] to have a proof to [illegible] at the end of Volume. I may not, however, till tomor-row night, as Alfred is shorthanded and hurried. Will it do to put the dedication on the back of the title? What will save two pages, which we use to advantage. Say what you think of it. Derby thinks it can't answer. I shall not be able to visit Hartford this week. Saturday must be given to my [illegible], which is not yet complete. Will you or shall I make Table of Illustrations? (contents.) Yours,". Greeley (1811-1872, born in Amherst, New Hampshire) 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 - like "Go West, young man" - became famous. 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 Ulysses S. Grant, who was seeking reelection. On Nov. 28, 1872, just 23 days after the election, Greeley, worn out by the grueling campaign, died at the age of 61. Lightly toned and creased. Show-through touches signature and body of letter. Body of letter, but not signature, is lightly smeared in places but legible. Folded once vertically and twice horizontally. Otherwise in fine condition.