- 2002
DAVID CROCKETT. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED, 9 APRIL 1834, TO PUBLISHER HIROM S. FAVOR
Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
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Description
- Autograph letter signed ("David Crockett") to Hirom S. Favor, complaining about President Andrew Jackson
2 pages (9 3/4 x 8 in.; 243 x 202 mm) on a single leaf, "Washington City," 9 April 1834; mounting remnant at left margin, a couple of fold separations with early repairs. Framed with double-sided Plexiglas.
Provenance
William F. Gable, of Altoona, Pennsylvania (American Art Association, 3 December 1923, lot 241)
Condition
2 pages (9 3/4 x 8 in.; 243 x 202 mm) on a single leaf, "Washington City," 9 April 1834; mounting remnant at left margin, a couple of fold separations with early repairs. Framed with double-sided Plexiglas.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
An exceptional political letter by Congressman Davy Crockett, deprecating the autocratic rule of Andrew Jackson, of whom he was an adherent during the early part of his political career. After acknowledging Favor's recent letter, Crockett discusses his plans to tour parts of the nation that are unfamiliar to him: "You state that you have herd that I intended visiting the eastern States at the Close of Congress, I have had a desire to travel through your country mearly for Curiosity and have been raised entirely in a frontier country and that it is natural for me to have a desire to become acquainted with the Customs and habits of your Country as I expect they are greatly different from my native Country You may rest assured if I do come that I will take great pleasure in calling on you as I will be an entire Stranger to every person I meet and will have to forme my acquaintance as I go—tho I wish you not to misunderstand me I may not come[.]" What Crockett thought of as Favor's country was probably Boston. Favor was a publisher and native of Eastport, Maine; in 1849 he established Favor’s Express, and a popular postal express company with headquarters in Boston and branches in Eastport, Portland, and St. John.
The tenor of the letter changes sharply when Crockett turns his pen to a discussion of the incumbent Jackson administration. "I am getting anxious to get home and see no hopes of doing any good by Staying here the house of representatives have determined by a majority that Andrew Jackson shall Wield both sword and purse his will is to be the law of the land If this what is called republicanism good God deliver us from all such doctrine[.]"
The tenor of the letter changes sharply when Crockett turns his pen to a discussion of the incumbent Jackson administration. "I am getting anxious to get home and see no hopes of doing any good by Staying here the house of representatives have determined by a majority that Andrew Jackson shall Wield both sword and purse his will is to be the law of the land If this what is called republicanism good God deliver us from all such doctrine[.]"