Search Results: autographed letter signed by peter stephen du ponceau

1835. unbound. 1 page, 8 x 5 inches, no place, April 11, 1835. Written to Railroad Executive James S. Biddle, making an introduction, in full: "Dr. Niles, the bearer of this letter is our late charge L'affairs at Paris, and has got, as you well know, an account against our University. I beg leave to introduce him to you, and request you will be too good as particularly to inform him of the state of his business." Light natural folds and smudges; still very good condition.<br/> <br/> French-born American linguist, distinguished attorney, and philosopher, who at age 16 came to America with General Baron von Steuben, serving as the latter's personal secretary, Aide-de-Camp, and live-in companion. In 1791 he became a prominent member of the American Philosophical Society.<br/> <br/>

Philadelphia, 1836. unbound. Historically important and unpublished letter, 4 pages (front and back) each measuring 10 x 8 inches, Philadelphia, March 18, 1836. In this letter, Du Ponceau strongly criticizes President Jackson's dissolving of the Bank of the United States, and his prediction of Secession of States and ultimately the Civil War, in very small part: "...When I saw baby Michigan & young Ohio, on the point of coming to blows, I seriously reflected on what may happen hereafter, if the National power continues to be weakened. When the President reported his veto for the rechartering of the National Bank, it was easy to foresee that a scramble would ensue between the rich States for the power which the concentration of capital necessarily gives. Bitter jealousies have been expected, which could not have taken place had the Bank remained National...I would give up the Relief Bill, as it is called, for the Bill for rechartering the Bank which was vetoed by General Jackson. Fiscal… Read More