AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, DATED 27 JUNE 1856, FROM PHILADELPHIA, FROM LEADERS OF THE PHILADELPHIA DEMOCRATIC PARTY, INVITING NEW YORK LAWYER AND POLITICALLY ACTIVE NEW YORK IRISH AMERICAN CHARLES O'CONOR TO CELEBRATE JULY FOURTH WITH THEM AT INDEPENDENCE SQUARE IN PHILADELPHIA.
Philadelphia: 27 June 1856. [2] pp, 8" x 10." Written in neat ink manuscript on recto and verso of a single lined leaf. Very Good. Signed in ink at the end by each of the Signers listed below. Note [misspelling his name at the end]: "Mr. OConner | New York."
The Philadelphia Democratic Party's leaders stand squarely behind the National Democratic Party presidential candidates: James Buchanan was Pennsylvania's Favorite Son; and his running mate, John Breckinridge of Kentucky, demonstrated the Party's comfortable alliance with the South and Slavery. As a leading Irish-American Democrat, born to an immigrant father, O'Conor was an important component of the northern Democratic Party's coalition. Before the War he supported Slavery and southern claims of State Rights. After the War, he defended Jefferson Davis against the charge of Treason.
"Dear Sir,
"In accordance with a time honored custom the Democracy of this City will celebrate the ensuing 4th of July with appropriate ceremonies commencing at 9 o'clock A.M. in Independence Square. On behalf of the Democratic citizens of Philadelphia we have the honour to invite you to be present & address the meeting.
"At this time when fanatics and factionists are seeking to undermine the Constitution and impair the Union of these States, it becomes the more necessary that Democrats should convene together and mutually renew the obligations which they owe to their Country to maintain the principles of the Civil and religious liberty and protect the rights of the people and of the several States that form our united Country.
"The principles affirmed by the Declaration of Independence & of the Constitution of the United States cannot be too frequently recurred to, but more especially is this recurrence appropriate on the 4th of July and in Independence Square because it is the Anniversary of the one and on this sacred spot both these immortal instruments were adopted & proclaimed.
"The Democratic party in the storm as well as in the sunshine has stood by these principles and through her recent National Convention at Cincinnati has again announced them as the landmarks of her political creed. The nomination of James Buchanan for President is a source of the highest gratification, for he is not only Pennsylvania's favorite Son, but his eminent Statesmanship and long & faithful services to his Country have given him a distinguished National reputation and place him high in the regards of every lover of the Union and of Constitutional liberty in the land. So in like manner the nomination for Vice President of John C. Breckenridge, the distinguished son of Kentucky, was equally fortunate & well considered.
"With these principles and candidates we cannot fail to achieve a glorious victory.
"With the hope that it will suit your convenience to be with us on the occasion in question - .
"We are with the highest respect
Your friends & fellow Citizens [each individually signed in ink]
Dan Dougherty
J. R. Snowden
John F. Stump
J. H. Dohnert
James L. Wright
Geo. F. Berrell
Hugh Clark." Item #41932
Price: $1,250.00