Rare and Obscure Americana from David Lesser Antiquarian Books
David Lesser's 94th catalogue of Rare Americana.
By Michael Stillman
David M. Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books has issued their 94th catalogue of Rare Americana. This follows the pattern of most Lesser catalogues - obscure imprints from American colonial times roughly to the era of Reconstruction. The issues of the day, political, religious, moral, economic, and such are discussed by the people of the land from different points of view. These catalogues provide a look into the minds of Americans in the nation's formative years. However, this catalogue is distinguished from previous ones in one way - it is filled new obscurities, items we have not seen before. Lesser's catalogues are a must for Americana collectors, and this is no exception. Here are some samples.
Pre-Civil War politics is a personal favorite, as it's fascinating, with the benefit of hindsight, to watch the country try to avoid the almost inevitable conflagration barreling down upon it. Perhaps the cleverest political strategy during this period was that of Zachary Taylor, who got himself elected by saying nothing about the critical issues of the day. You could attribute to him whatever beliefs you wished. Typifying the General's campaign strategy is this eight-page pamphlet from 1848, Gen. Taylor's Moral, Intellectual, & Professional Character. In it, the writers attest to his "simplicity of manners, his humanity, his indomitable courage, his fearlessness, his firmness and determination, his condescension and familiarity, his vigilance in protecting his soldiers against imposition...his goodness of heart and kind feelings, and his punctuality in correspondence..." We know everything about Zachary Taylor, and yet we know nothing. He is punctual in responding to letters, but where does he stand on the issues? That is just how he wanted it, and it swept him into office. Item 37. Priced at $250.
Here is a family political dispute that managed to find its way into print. It is The Voter's Path to Duty in 1856. A Letter from Professor J.P. Dake, Addressed to C.M. Dake, M.D... Included with it is his brother's reply. Professor Dake was an avid supporter of the Republican candidate, John C. Fremont. He believes the Republicans will hold the line on compromises with the slave power that have been tearing apart the nation's unity. Dr. Dake, on the other hand, supported Millard Fillmore, candidate of the Know-Nothing Party. He argues in this testy exchange that his brother's "Freedom Screechers" threaten the Union. Ultimately, this family argument proved futile, as both of their candidates lost to James Buchanan. Item 32. $500.
Dr. Dake wasn't the only Know-Nothing with disdain for General Fremont. This pro-Fillmore 1856 Know-Nothing pamphlet is titled Fremont's Romanism. The pamphlet claims Fremont is a Roman Catholic, come to rule on behalf of the Church. It gives nineteen evidences that he is a Catholic, such as, "He was seen to dip his hand in holy water and cross himself in a Roman Catholic church." This seems unlikely, but if true, Fremont was probably just trying to get votes from the parishioners. Item 43. $250.
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Rare and Obscure Americana from David Lesser Antiquarian Books
Item 70 is an interesting, and perhaps quite ironic piece. The title is The Address of the Minority in the Virginia Legislature...Containing a Vindication of the Constitutionality of the Alien and Sedition Laws. This was definitely a minority view, as these overreaching laws by the executive were very unpopular, and led to the early demise of the Federalist Party. The author argues for federal power, stating, "America is one nation, and therefore the state governments are restrained from interfering with these great acts of sovereignty." What makes the writing ironic is that its likely author was Henry "Light Horse Harry" Lee, a strong supporter of federal authority. It was "Light Horse Harry's" son, Robert E., who would years later lead the southern states in their rebellion against federal authority. Circa 1799. $2,500.
One of the most dramatic, and horrific events ever to occur on the floor of the U.S. Senate was the caning of Massachusetts Senator Charles Sumner. Sumner was a vigorous abolitionist, always willing to make his feelings known in the strongest terms. In a speech on the Senate floor in 1856, Sumner verbally attacked South Carolina Senator Andrew Butler, describing him as a pimp who took up with an ugly whore, that whore being slavery. These comments did not sit well with Congressman Preston Brooks, Butler's nephew, who entered the Senate chamber and beat Sumner to within an inch of his life with a cane. Sumner would not be able to return to work for three years, but when he did his views were unchanged. Meanwhile, he became a cause celebre in the North. Item 13 is National Politics. Speech of S.P. [sic] Brooks, of South Carolina, on Resigning His Seat in Congress. Brooks resigned to demonstrate he meant no disrespect to the Senate, but was promptly reelected to the House by his fellow South Carolinians. Ironically, while Sumner slowly recovered, Brooks fell ill and died the following year. $150.
Where did Sumner get his intense anti-slavery views? The apple does not fall far. His father, Charles Pinckney Sumner, was an outspoken opponent of slavery in the early days of the republic. Item 112 is the senior Sumner's Eulogy on the Illustrious George Washington... given in 1800, a few month's after Washington's death. "Americans, what a vast weight of your revolution did this mighty man sustain." $375.
The website for David M. Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books is www.lesserbooks.com, telephone 203-389-8111.
You may view or search all of the items they offer for sale online through the following link:Books For Sale.
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