Gadsden, James (1788-1858) to John Cripps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.15 Author/Creator: Gadsden, James (1788-1858) Place Written: Vera Cruz, Mexico Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 May 1854 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 28.2 x 22.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his Secretary more fully after yesterday's hasty note (GLC03587.14). Discusses the toll the trip to Mexico has taken on Mrs. Gadsden but hopes the rest of their journey will be smooth. Reminds him to set up a bed for himself, Mrs. Gadsden, and Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother). Mentions the possibility of more guests so Cripps may be prepared. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon under "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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