Handlin, W. W. (William Wallace) (1830-1911) to James Gadsden
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.21 Author/Creator: Handlin, W. W. (William Wallace) (1830-1911) Place Written: Los Angeles, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 August 1856 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope ; 25.1 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Gadsden for all his kindness and help while he was living in Mexico City. Discusses his professional prospects and describes Los Angeles' climate and environs. Thinks that Buchanan will carry California in the next election as he is very popular among her residents. Unpopular among Californians is the Pacific Railroad. Hopes that the project will be funded by the Democratic Party. Mentions a possible move to Nicaragua. Handlin was a lawyer who studied in Mexico City until 1851. His successful law career began in 1857 in New Orleans.
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. Handlin was a lawyer who studied in Mexico City until 1851. His successful law career began in 1857 in New Orleans.
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