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This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/11/2021
William P. Fessenden autograph letter signed, written by the young abolitionist and future Treasury Secretary when he was an attorney in Maine. Newly married, Fessenden here describes the condition of his pregnant wife as it pertains to him looking for a law office in Bangor, Maine. Writing to prominent attorney Peleg Chandler, letter reads in full,
''Portland [Maine] June 1 1833 / My dear Sir, I rec'd yours of the 28 May, and have to render you my thanks for this fresh proof of the interest you take in my affairs. You will please say to Mr. Dexter that I shall not want his house - the reason whereof I will give you. / The truth is that my wife is in a situation which makes her extremely unwilling to leave her friends, at present. You know well enough how women feel on these occasions, and it is not at all strange that she had rather be near her mother than anywhere else - and, situated as she is, I do not wish to exert any influence, or express any wish, by which she would be likely to consider herself bound. Add to this that her friends feel unwilling, (because they do not consider it safe that she should expose herself to the fatigues of moving) that she should leave them before the business is over, and you will perceive that I must give up the idea of becoming a housekeeper in Bangor, for the present. However, I am none the less obliged to you & Mr. Dexter.
I have not, however, abandoned the idea of coming myself, very soon; as soon as our June Courts are well through - that is, if you think it would be better for me to leave in July than to wait until after October. I am fully determined in my own mind to come among you, and my own impressions are that the sooner I do so, the better for me. Is not this your opinion also? I should like to have you write me all you think on these matters, immediately. In the way of business, I might gain by coming alone, thus leaving more time to look round me, being free from the cares of a family.
If you think as I do on this subject, shall I trouble you to tell me whether I can get an office to be ready for me about the first of July. You see how one thing leads to another. You having done me one kindness only leads to my begging for more. / There is a report here that Rogers talks of leaving Bangor for Augusta or Hallowell. I can hardly believe this, as, if he left Bangor, he had better come to Portland. / I shall wait your answer before I do anything further. / Yours very truly, W.P. Fessenden''.
He continues on the next page, ''June 3. I intended to have sent this, but delayed it on account of some doubt as to when I should want the office. I am now satisfied that I shall be ready to come along in first part of July. All I want to know, therefore, is whether I can have an office. / Yours &c. / W.P.F.''
Three page letter on a sheet of bifolium stationery measures 7.875'' x 9.5'' as folded. Some separation along folds, paper loss at center not affecting content, and mild dampstaining. Overall very good condition.
William Fessenden Autograph Letter Signed From 1833 -- The Young Republican Attorney Starts His Law Practice Years Before Becoming Lincoln's Treasury Secretary
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