[Great Britain Acts] Notable Poet Bryant Comments On Arrest Of Mason And Slidell For Sale

WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT (November 3, 1794 – June 12, 1878) was an American romantic poet, journalist and long-time editor of the New York Evening Post. Born in Massachusetts, he started his career as a lawyer but showed an interest in poetry. He relocated to New York and took up work as an editor of various newspapers. He became one of the most significant poets in early literary America. He has been grouped among the fireside poets for his accessible, popular poetry.

One-page, ALS, 4 ½ x 7, November 18th, 1861, unknown recipient. Signed twice with his initials. The letter mentions the international crisis caused by the arrest of former senators James M. Mason of Virginia and John Slidell of Louisiana who were en route to England on the British mail steamer Trent. They were headed for England and France to lobby for recognition of the Confederacy.

“I send an article for today on the arrest of Mason & Slidell. I hope nobody has anticipated me.

“If you want another instance of the acts of Great Britain as precedents for the liberty taken with the English steamer, there is the League of Dawdle fleet in the harbor of Copenhagen while England was at peace...The justification alleged further violence about...any declaration of war...

“W.C.B.

“P.S. A report of the McLeod Case is found in Wendell’s Reports, Vol XXV and Hill’s Reports, Vol 1. Wende’’ has the greater part...

“W.C.B.”

Excellent condition. Bryant’s handwriting is slightly challenging to decipher. Letter is attached to a larger sheet. Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Helen Doolittle Sanders of the notable Sanders Price Guide.

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