Slidell, John (1793-1871) to Alfred Edmund Burr
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02925.18 Author/Creator: Slidell, John (1793-1871) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1860 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Slidell, a United States Senator from Louisiana, regretfully declines an invitation from Burr, Chairman of the Connecticut Democratic State Central Committee, to speak at a canvass preceding the 1860 presidential election. States "The Democracy of Connecticut has long been distinguished for its bold & unflinching adherence to sound constitutional principles, your representatives in both branches of Congress have commanded the gratitude & admiration of every true Southern man ..." Declares "in the person of the gallant Seymour you have a standard bearer worthy of the great cause ..." (possibly referring to Thomas Hart Seymour, avid Democrat and Governor of Connecticut 1850-1853). Slidell served as a U.S. congressman (1843-1846) and senator (1853-1860). During the Civil War, Slidell served as Confederate minister to France. His 1861 arrest, with fellow ambassador James Mason, on the British ship Trent created a diplomatic breach between the U.S. and Britain.
Slidell served as Representative 1843-1846 and Senator 1853-1860. Burr founded The Hartford Times, a Connecticut newspaper.
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