Description:

NATHANIEL BEVERLEY TUCKER
(1820 – 1890) American journalist, printer, and diplomat. During the Civil War he was a Confederate States economic agent in France, England, and Canada, and also a secret representative in the North. During the conflict he was on the Union 'Wanted List', and in its aftermath he was charged as a conspirator in the plot to assassinate Lincoln. Although he was never arrested, he was never pardoned either. Important grouping of three related war-date pieces, including a manuscript D.S. signed by Tucker and two unsigned A.L. by one of his potential partners in Paris, concerning negotiations leading to a contract between Tucker and three Frenchmen to construct railways and steamers to facilitate trade between Europe and the Confederacy. Included are two letters from PAUL PECQUET DU BELLET (1816-1884) to Tucker, one unsigned, one with initials, 8pp. total, 8vo., Paris, Feb. 5 and 13, 1863. In part: "…Herlenger has rec'd a dispatch…apprising him of the full success of their operation…the conditions however are not known…now that the Herlangers are in full operation with the CSA we might succeed in carrying out our contracts with the Government through them…The loan [Confederate Congressman and commissioner to Great Britain and France, James] Mason is engaged in raising must be the one for 2 million of dollars...I have called to see our friend de Barck. He assures me that his interest will be clearly distinct so soon as H's agents…furnish me with the means of negotiating successfully…' Much more cryptic business and financial content. Additionally, there is an Apr. 2, 1863 unsigned A.L. from Pecquet du Bellet in Paris to Tucker. He reassures Tucker that his associates will 'procure the necessary funds for your expenses and your trip to the C.S.' and asks for a share of the profits in Tucker's current contract. He goes on to further discuss fellow partners, financing, etc. Finally, there is a manuscript D.S. in Pecquet du Bellet's hand, 3pp. legal folio (last page trimmed), Paris, Mar. 18, 1863 signed by Tucker, Pecquet du Bellet, and their partners, Frenchmen DeBarck and F. Carteretin. This is the partnership agreement between the parties, which Tucker essentially promises to exert his influence in the Confederate government to use funds provided by the two Frenchmen to undertake financial transactions with the Confederate government, purchase war material (and therefrom profiteer), organize railroads, etc. It reads in part: '...negotiation of Bonds, obligations and all other business entrusted to their hands of the Confederate States Government, such as the purchase, on commission, of Ordnance Quartermaster and general Stores and supplies...negotiation of the Bonds of several states...especially of the Rail Roads...development and Increase of direct trade and travel...[to] the great Ports of Europe...' Tucker and Pecquet de Beller propose to provide the venture with Confederate contracts already in hand, Tucker will promote the venture in the South, and the other Frenchmen will provide the necessary capital, with profits shared equally. The contract bears some repairs to fold splits, the letters are generally fine. Pecquet du Bellet was a Confederate agent sent by Jefferson Davis to Paris to propagandize and otherwise raise support for the Southern cause; here obviously he takes advantage of his position to help his own cause. A great insight into Tucker's offshore 'operations'.

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April 1, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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