White, James William (1826-1891) to John B. Bachman
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04644.01 Author/Creator: White, James William (1826-1891) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: 6 June 1864 Pagination: 1 p. : envelope ; 24.7 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy
Acting as Chairman of the Committee on Orations and Lectures of the Great Central Fair, White (possibly the noted Philadelphia dentist and doctor) expresses gratitude to John B. Bachman, of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, for his contribution. Written on Committee on Orations and Lectures stationery. Contains a printed list of other committee members. Accompanied by an illustrated Great Central Fair for the Sanitary Commission envelope addressed to Bachman. Possibly transmitted in the same envelope as GLC04644.02
The Great Central Fair for the United States Sanitary Commission opened in June 1864 in Logan Square, Philadelphia. The Fair was held to raise funds for Union soldiers in need of basic necessities and medical supplies.
Selected excerpts:
Since my arrival In Paris I have been very active In my Canal pursuits. And on this subject I have created a Revolution In the mind of all the french engineers I have met with. who are men [descidedly] In favour of the small system of Canals - Which are men Contemplated on an emmense scale of [extennen] which you will be explained in my [strikeout] Letter - It is Contemplated to Raise the Whole Revenue by a single [tellen] Canals - which system will [Impunably] simplify the operations of Government, tend directly to set trade free and annihilate a Mass of Political Absurdities which have hitherto disturbed the peace of Naleens - all of Which you will [2] find explained in the annexed Letter, Which Letter will show you how much Frenchmen are turning their mind to the true fountain of Riches - [inserted: viz] home Improvement and Systems of Industry - With the true philosophic Ideas which the entertain of Foreign Possessions and Restricted trade - And I can assure you that I find [inserted: in them] the most Resolute determination to establish the principles [struck: that] Which you will find explained - And Which to me appears of the Very first Importance to Lasting peace - and the Wellfare of all Nations...
It is therefore of much Importance that English Men should know the truth of these principles and Learn their true Interest, [struck: they should also understand that Frenchmen are illegible] by Giving up as the french mean to do and will compel others to do. the System of foreign Possessions and Restricted trade they should also understand that Frenchmen [3] Are Realy thinking Like philosophers Which I hope my Letter will prove - Which Letter although addressed to you, I mean should be published In england In order to awaken the mind to Reflect on the subject of Canal System. Simple taxation home Improvement and a free trade...
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