PRINTED LETTER, FROM HERKIMER 10 OCTOBER 1866, SIGNED IN TYPE BY GEORGE W. PINE, AS PRESIDENT OF THE HERKIMER COUNTY DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEE, URGING VOTER SUPPORT IN "STRENGTHENING THE HANDS OF PRESIDENT JOHNSON IN HIS PATRIOTIC EFFORTS TO RESTORE THE UNION."
Herkimer [NY]: 1866. Printed broadside. Old folds, Very Good.
George W. Pine, a prominent Herkimer citizen, sent this printed letter urging local voters to assist in "the great work of redeeming our State from radical misrule." He suggests they "Organize a Johnson Union Club," appoint various committees, "make an accurate canvass," and devote "a few days of earnest work." Also signing, as Secretary, is C.C. Withersitne.
President Johnson had sought to reverse the results of the War by attempting immediately to restore the rebellious States to the Union. Lincoln placed him on the ticket in 1864 because Johnson courageously supported the Union throughout Tennessee. A War Democrat, Johnson never shed his State Rights ideology. He had no moral objections to slavery. He opposed secession from a visceral hatred of the plantation aristocracy. Once that class had been humbled, he saw no obstacle to restoring the rebel States to power, pardoning former Confederates en masse, and leaving the freed slaves vulnerable to the white majority. A stubborn man, he refused to compromise with a Congress which fiercely opposed him. The clash led Johnson to veto legislation and to articulate a view of the Union that had become odious in the North. Johnson's wild "Swing Around the Circle" during the 1866 midterm elections resulted in his repudiation by the voters, and led the way to Republican Reconstruction and the impeachment.
Not located on OCLC. Item #38584
Price: $350.00