Group includes:
1862 letter written by Senator Charles Sumner from Boston, Massachusetts. Four pages, please see the seventh picture listed for the scan of a complete transcription.
Carte-de-visite (CDV) of Charles Sumner with “Silsbee, Case & Co., Photograph Artists, 299 1/2 Washington Street, Boston” imprint on verso.
The subject of the letter by Senator Sumner pertains to the appointment of Mr. Webster, an “Old Free-Soiler” to the Post of Collector—a political appointment. Mr Webster is likely 49 year-old Col. Daniel “Fletcher” Webster (1813-1862), the son of Daniel Webster (1782-1852). Fletcher served as a member of the Massachusetts legislature in 1847, and as the surveyor of the port of Boston from 1850-1861. He served as Colonel of the 12th Massachusetts Infantry and was killed in the Second Battle of Bull Run on 30 August 1862, just three weeks after this letter was written. In his book, The True Daniel Webster, author Sydney George Fisher wrote that Fletcher Webster’s political views varied somewhat from his father’s. “He rather inclined to be a Free-Soiler,” and he “attended the convention which founded the Free Soil party in Massachusetts.” [p. 495]. In the summer of 1862, after a year of hard service as the Colonel of the 12th Massachusetts, Fletcher Webster may have been seeking a situation that might allow him to resign his commission and return home to his wife and surviving children. His youngest child, 12 year-old Julia Applegate Webster, had recently died on 10 July 1862 from inflammation of the brain, and he may have wished to return to his grieving wife who had seen at least three of her children die young. The identity of the recipient of this letter is not revealed but it was most likely someone acting on behalf of the Colonel who wished to have the Colonel’s office-seeking venture remain confidential until an appointment was made. (Description and transcription courtesy of William Griffing)