Description:

JULIA G. TYLER
(1820-1889) First Lady of the United States, second wife of President John Tyler. Good association A.L.S. on bordered stationary, 3pp. 8vo., Richmond, November 1, 1884, to U.S. Navy Paymaster Col. John S. Cunningham. In part: '...We were so glad to hear from you again through your letter to my son Lyon. So long had elapsed since we last...heard directly from you that we thought perhaps you were absent from the country. In the meantime, our family affairs had been moving on while the book had gone into publication, and my youngest darling has made her choice to be in wedded life and will be married...on the 13th of November. I forward you an announcement! I am truly sorry to learn that you have had to bear such a dense and long indisposition and trust you will now soon recover. I hope I shall see you among the number and I expect you present at the wedding. Mr. Ellis is well known and well situated, besides being a young man to attract for fine looks the most requiring young lady...I hope you have been enjoying the book. Contrary to the Herald's unfriendly criticism we have the best and kindness from other. The next volume will suit the right judging who's eyes are opened by all the facts...' Slightly toned, small tear at the main crease repaired with tape on the verso, else fine. The book referred to by Julia in this letter is likely 'The Letters and Times of the Tylers' by her son Lyon Tyler first published in 1884. Julia Tyler became a somewhat controversial figure following the death of her husband in 1862. Being a plantation owner, she became an outspoken southern sympathizer following the Civil War since she lost her slaves and most of her property. She reportedly flew the Confederate flag often at her Long Island estate, and on one occasion almost had it burnt down by a mob of Union supporters as result. Her views also led to a falling out with her brother David, an avid Union man, and he would later take her to court to have her written out of the family will. Homeless and impoverished she moved to Virginia and lived with her children. She went on to lobby Congress for a pension which was granted then increased following the assassination of James Garfield and extended to all former presidents and widows. Cunningham being a paymaster was likely her contact to receive this pension, which explains the friendly and seemingly regular context of this letter.

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August 26, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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