TO OUR FELLOW-DEMOCRATS OF THE COUNTIES OF BRADFORD, SUSQUEHANNA, AND TIOGA, PA

[Towanda PA?, 1844. Folio broadside, 10-1/8" x 21." Printed in four columns, each column separated by a rule. Light to moderate foxing, light wear. Good+. Signed in type at the bottom by thirty disillusioned local Democrats.

Towanda is the county seat of Bradford County, the residence of many of the signers, including Judge Edward Herrick, the first signer. This evidently unrecorded broadside illustrates the impending split in the Democratic Party along sectional lines, over the issue of slavery.
The signers are "steadfast" Democrats, distraught that their Party has nominated James K. Polk of Tennessee as its 1844 presidential candidate. Polk, known as the "Dark Horse" candidate, "was thrust upon the party as the candidate by the intrigues and management of the NULLIFIERS! [italics in original]. The instructions and pledges of the delegates were disregarded, and Mr. V. Buren and the Democratic party betrayed!"
Clay, "a statesman of the first order," has always sought to advance the national interest as opposed to parochial concerns. The signers defend his support of protective tariffs and the American System. They applaud his opposition to the annexation of Texas, and his warnings that a war with Mexico would result in an expansion of the "odious" system of slavery.
Not in Sabin or American Imprints. Not located on OCLC or the online sites of AAS, U Penn, U TN as of March 2024.