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Gadsden, James (1788-1858) to John Cripps

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.28 Author/Creator: Gadsden, James (1788-1858) Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 August 1857 Pagination: 4 p. : envelope ; 25 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Disappointed with his Secretary for not sending any letters reporting on the state of affairs in Mexico. Discusses the reclamation of their losses before the government steps in and Gadsden is forced to discuss the matter with President Buchanan. Mentions the newly acquired territory with which he is willing to bargain to keep both governments content. Wants Cripps to do the bargaining. Adds personal news about the weather and Cripps' mother.

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.

Cripps, John S., fl. 1820-1875
Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

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