Gadsden, James (1788-1858) to John Cripps
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.26 Author/Creator: Gadsden, James (1788-1858) Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1857 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to his Secretary after receiving what he feels is a short and objective letter regarding the state of affairs in Mexico. Discusses the work that needs to be done with regards to the government and people of that country. Fears that the new government will prevent harmony in Mexico. Imprint illegible.
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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