Political
1872 Democrats Pray Ulysses S. Grant is Defeated
September 3, 1872, Manuscript Letter from “A California Mountaineer” Visiting Washington, DC, Reporting on Political Scandals, Choice Extremely Fine.
This 4 page, 8” x 5” Political Letter was written in the historic Presidential Election year of 1872 by a Californian who was visiting Washington, DC. Here, Mr. A.N. Wyman was writing to J.D. Goodwin in Quincy, CA. about what he had seen and heard in the nation’s capital. He begins his letter by stating that under the current administration, the Board of Public Works had hired thousands of “Negroes” supposedly to repair the streets, but was using them to influence elections in other states, including North Carolina. He says Republicans were using forged Congressional franks to mail campaign materials. He goes on to say that there will be disaster if Ulysses S. Grant is elected, in part:

“... should the Grant-Duncan convention prove an abortion - a fiasco - for which consummation all good Democrats should hourly ‘wrestle with the Lord.’” In the final paragraph, Wyman mentions that an article in “The Capitol” Newspaper accused Democrats of selling offices for money. A Judge Dent took exception to this article, went to the newspaper’s office, and beat the assistant editor with his cane. The judge was arrested but released on his own recognizance. Included with this letter, is the original green printed stamp envelope in which it was mailed. This Letter is in excellent condition, without tears or foxing, having only the 2 original folds necessary to get it into the envelope. The envelope is missing part of the right end, where it was opened, and has remnants of previous mounting on the back. Otherwise the envelope is in nice condition. A great letter full of interesting historic and politically charged election of 1872 period content. Accompanied by a complete, professionally printed transcription. (3 items)