Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) to Sidney Webster
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04895 Author/Creator: Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Place Written: Concord, New Hampshire Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 June 1869 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 21.3 x 26.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses aspects of reconstruction, criticizing "the appointment of a Massachusetts negro to the office of Postmaster at Macon, Georgia." Inquires as to the well-being of Webster's family.
Webster served as Pierce's private secretary during his Presidential term 1853-1857.
[excerpt]
...Does not the reason assigned in the newspapers for the appointment of a Massachusetts negro to the Office of Postmaster at Macon Ga [2] indicate great elevation of character - broad grasp and high motives? I can say to you confidentially that I feel little interest in the administration except so far as Gov Fish is concerned - Can he afford to lend his well earned reputation and honorable character - to confer respectability [struck: to] [inserted: upon] the men who are associated with him? …
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.