JOHN BIGELOW - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/13/1867 - HFSID 44666

JOHN BIGELOW
The politician and statesman who served as Lincoln's Minister to France pens this letter arranging a appointment
Autograph Letter signed: "John Bigelow" in black ink, 2p, 5¼x8 adjoined pages, 10½x8 unfolded. Highland Falls, 1867 November 13. To “M. Dexter” In full: “I have occasion to go the [1 word difficult to decipher] on Friday. I will endeavor to call upon you between 11+ 12 O'Clock when I hope you will be ready to go with me to W. Trimbles + box the Franklin. It will probably be nearer 12 than 11 but I would suggest that the box be sent there in advance that we may not be unnecessarily detained. Yours very Respectfully”. New York lawyer and newspaper editorJohn Bigelow (1817-1911) broke with the Democratic Party on the issue of slavery, and was active in the formation of the Republican Party. He was appointed by President Lincoln to diplomatic posts in France during the Civil War, rising to the position of Ambassador, and working successfully with Charles Francis Adams, his counterpart in Britain, to prevent British and French recognition of the Confederacy. Returning to the Democratic Party, he served as New York's Secretary of State under Governor Samuel Tilden, and managed Tilden's Presidential campaign of 1876. He wrote several books on international relations, as well as biographies of Tilden and of Benjamin Franklin. He later served as President of the New York Public Library. The plaza fronting the main branch is named in his honor. Corners and edges worn and creased. Three horizontal folds. Light surface creases. Stained throughout. Heavily toned. Pencil note on front and verso of second adjoined page. Otherwise, fine condition.