Description:

POLITICIANS BET ON THE 1848 ELECTIONS
Great content pair of letters in which prominent Pennsylvania politicians make hefty wagers on the outcome of the 1848 presidential elections. Both letters were sent to ADAM J. GLOSSBRENNER, a politician from York and at the time a Clerk in Department of State. Future two-time Pennsylvania Rep. WILLIAM H. KURTZ sends "Gloss" a 1p. legal folio letter from York on Sep, 6, 1848, in part: "…I agree with you that money can be made by betting on the State. A bet on Longstreth and Cass, would be safe. There is everything here to be had on this matter but money. You may set Dave and myself down however for Five hundred, and Dietz, Eppley, Metzel, Furst, Eichelberger, &c. for two hundred more…Should I be able to raise more, I shall advise you of it instantly. Hartman likes the scheme…As soon as you get a bite, let me know…" The second letter 1p. oblong 8vo., Washington, Oct. 29, 1848 was sent to Glossbrenner by Georgia Democat THOMAS D. HARRIS. In part: "…I can make the bet which you authorized…Holden writes me that our chances to hold N.C. are decidedly good. The free soil movement in that state threatens a serious injury to the Whig Party…[Howell] Cobb says…that he would be willing to stake the result on Ga. I am in a bar room - half drunk, but all my senses about me…". Very good. In Pennsylvania, Democrat Morris Longstreth would lose the gubernatorial race to Whig William F. Johnston by only 300 of the 330,000 votes cast. Democrat Lewis Cass would lose by 14,000 to Zachary Taylor, thanks in part to spoiler Martin Van Buren. Not a "safe" bet!

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December 10, 2015 10:30 AM EST
Elkton, MD, US

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