Autographs
c. 1846 Mexican War Letter Requesting: "... copies of the President's proclamation about this war with Mexico ..."
ANTONIO CALDERON DE LA BARCA (1790-1861). Spanish Commissioner to the United States, a Spanish nobleman and politician who served as Minister of State between 1853 and 1854, here requests "... the President's proclamation about this war with Mexico. I want them for enclosures to the Captains Generals of Cuba and Puerto Rico."
c. 1846 Mexican-American War Period, Autograph Letter Signed, "A. Calderon dela Barca", 7.75" x 9.75", 1 page no place,with Integral Transmittal Cover, Choice Very Fine. Written to Francis Makve, Esqr. he writes in full:
"I will be very much obliged to you if you send me four or five printed copies of the President's proclamation about this war with Mexico. I want them for enclosures to the Captains Generals of Cuba and Puerto Rico. My steward will tell you about Franco -Mr. Saunder's Servant. - Truly Yours (Signed) A. Calderon dela Barca."
A. Calderon dela Barcan was involved with another historic political action related to Black History and Slavery years later about the Amistad, as recently played in Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" movie, Caldern de la Barca is played by Toms Milin. Ink smudge at upper left corner far from any text. *Note this exists: [Confidential circular.] Department of State, Washington, May 14, 1846. Sir: I transmit to you, herewith, a proclamation of the President, of yesterday's date, declaring that was exists between the United States and Mexico ... [Washington, 1846]
ANTONIO CALDERON DELA BARCA (1790-1861). Spanish Commissioner to the United States, is recounted as having stated the following:
"Senor Calderon de la Barca, the Spanish minister for several years to our government at Washington, told me in April, 1852, that when he was first sent by his government to ours at Washington, in 1822, he was charmed with every thing he saw or heard. 'The government struck me,' he said, 'as strictly honest, and your statesmen as remarkable for their public spirit, integrity, and incorruptibility. I was subsequently sent to Mexico; and when, recalled from that mission, I was offered my choice between Rome and Washington, such was my high opinion of the American republic, and the honesty and integrity of its government, that I chose Washington in preference to Rome, though the latter was more generally coveted. I have been here now for several years a close observer, and I have seen every thing change under my eyes. All my admiration for the republic and for republican government has vanished. I cannot conceive a government more corrupt than this government of yours. I see men come here worth only their salary as members of Congress, and in two or four years return home worth from a hundred thousand to two hundred thousand dollars.' " This was said in 1852, when corruption was very little in comparison with what it has become."