[ADDRESSES, ESSAYS & LECTURES]. Group of seven pamphlets on various subjects. All are first editions.

[1] Black Republican Imposture Exposed! Fraud upon the People! The Account of Fremont Examined; Showing an Astounding Disregard of the Public Interest, only to Be Accounted for by Extravagance, Recklessness, or an Utter Want of Judgment!. Washington, 1856. [1-3] 4-14 [2, blank] pp. 8vo (21.5 x 14 cm), disbound. Title page lightly chipped with small stains, lightly browned.

Cowan II, p. 222. Rocq 16684.

An attack on Frémont for “carelessness, recklessness, favoritism, and connivance with the claimants.” The pamphlet examines the “chief dealing of Colonel Fremont as a disbursing officer during the campaign in California whilst he commanded the volunteers” during 1846-1847. Tables, facts, figures are produced and analyzed. Treats “principally of his frauds in the purchase of horses in 1846 and 1847, while disbursing officer in California.”

[2] BLANDING, William. Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Address by William Blanding (Capt. Palmetto Reg’t South Carolina Volunteers) before the Associated Veterans of the Mexican War, San Francisco, Cal., August 1888. [San Francisco?: 1888?] [wrapper title]. [1] 2-27 pp [1, blank] pp. 8vo (23.5 x 15 cm), original grey printed wrappers, stapled. Upper wrapper separating, wrappers slightly soiled, otherwise good.

A review of the war and the creation of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Complains that many official records cannot be consulted to learn the truth.

[3] BRAMAN, Milton Palmer. The Mexican War. A Discourse Delivered on the Annual Fast, 1847. Danvers: Printed at Courier Office, 1847. [1-3] 4-36 pp. 8vo (22.5 x 14.5 cm), later green wrappers, stitched. Upper wrapper detached.

Eberstadt 64. Garrett & Goodwin, p. 366. Sabin 7369.

An anti-war address: “May God deliver our countrymen from coveting their neighbor’s lands—from the lust of conquest—from the spirit of war—the thirst for human blood. May the love of peace be shed into the counsels of both the contending nations” (p. 36).

Braman (1799-1882) was long-time pastor of the church at Danvers.

[4] BRIDGE, Jonathan Davis. The Character of War. A Discourse Delivered in the M.E. Church, Roxbury, on the Day of the Annual Thanksgiving Nov. 30, 1848. Worchester: Printed by Samuel Chisin, 1849. [1-3] 4-22 [2, blank] pp. 8vo (20.5 x 13.5 cm), disbound. Fine.

Eberstadt 69.

Pacifist publication: “If we have only hinted, we now affirm, there is not one redeeming trait in the character of war, as a mode of settling national controversies” (p. 14).

Bridge (1812-1856) is best remembered as a prominent member of the Underground Railroad. He held pastorates at numerous churches in Massachusetts.

[5] EVERETT, Horace. Mr. Everett’s Address to the Whigs of Vermont, July, 1848. Windsor: Bishop and Tracy’s Steam Press, 1848. [1-3] 4-32 pp. 8vo (23.5 x 16 cm), stitched, untrimmed. Creased where formerly folded, foxed, soiled, worn, chipped.

Explains his feelings about Taylor’s candidacy for president and his position on slavery, especially the Wilmot Proviso.

Everett (1779-1851) was a politician elected to Congress several times.

[6] HOLDEN, Charles C.P. The Result of the Mexican War. An Open Letter from Charles C.P. Holden of Chicago to the Hon. George F. Hoar of Massachusetts. Chicago: J.C. Drake, Printer, 181 & 183 W. Madison St., [1882] [wrapper title]. [1-3] 4- pp. 8vo (23 x 15.5 cm), original pale slate green printed wrappers. Wrappers lightly soiled, otherwise good.

First Separate Edition (originally appeared in the Chicago Times, September 23, 1882). 1,000 copies printed.

Reviews the war and its acquisitions, but mainly criticizes Hoar for failing to properly support and pension soldiers who fought in the war.

Holden (b. 1827) fought in the war and was a prominent Chicago citizen.

[7] Review of the Diplomatic Policy Adopted by the Executive of the United States to Negotiate, in Connection with the Operations of the Commander-in-Chief of the Army to Conquer, a Peace with Mexico. Washington: Printed at the National Whig Office, 1847 [wrapper title]. [1] 2-8 pp. 8vo (23 x 14 cm), original tan printed wrappers. Lower wrapper missing, upper wrapper darkened, worn, and chipped. Verso of upper wrapper with contemporary ink note: “To the Hon. William Upham with the Respects of J.E. [Tirel?]” From the collection of Clint and Dorothy Josey, with her pencil note on last leaf.

Very critical of Polk and his conduct of the War. Makes fun, for example, of Polk’s falling for Santa-Anna’s ruse and letting him pass the blockade at Veracruz.