Gadsden, James (1788-1858) to John Cripps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.13 Author/Creator: Gadsden, James (1788-1858) Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 May 1854 Pagination: 4 p. ; 28.1 x 22.8 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses disappointment with his Secretary's ambiguous reports from Mexico, especially since the President and Senate look to Gadsden for information. Has had to rely on the "published speculations of fillibusters." Is surprised to hear that Cripps has begun to rely on Doyle, a person who hopes to maintain poor relations between Mexican and U.S. officials. States that the treaty was dismissed but it is rumored that the Senate will create a new one. Discusses politics and news. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below "Paris."
Gadsden was a railroad promoter and advocated a Southern rail system, the purpose of which would be to control the trade of the South and the West, thereby freeing those regions from their dependency on the North. To further this end he promoted Southern commercial conventions, and at a convention in 1845 he boldly urged the construction of a railroad to the Pacific. In 1853, when Jefferson Davis was Secretary of War in Pierce's cabinet, Gadsden was appointed minister to Mexico to negotiate for territory along the border. The result was the Gadsden Purchase. He was recalled in 1856 for exceeding his instructions. Cripps was General Gadsden's Secretary and a sawyer by profession.
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