Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - June - 2004 Issue
Significant and Unusual Americana <br>From David Lesser Antiquarian Books
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In the Proceedings of the Democratic State Convention of South Carolina from 1856, the party was in favor of renominating Franklin Pierce for president as he was a perfect example of a “northern man with southern principles.” This was the winning ticket that enabled the Democrats to carry elections in 1852 and 1856. Looking back, there’s some real irony here, as in the past 40 years, the only way the Democrats have been able to win the presidency has been by nominating southern men with northern principles. Item 133. $500.
The Pennsylvania Railroad was once the mightiest of rail carriers, back when this was the nation’s most important business. It carried more traffic than any other railroad through most of the 20th century, was once the largest public corporation, and offered its shareholders over a century of uninterrupted dividends. Item 109 takes us back to the very beginning. In 1847, a year after being formed, it issued this First Annual Report of the Directors of the Pennsylvania Railroad to the Stockholders. October 30, 1847. It was the start of a glorious run which would last until 1968, when a failing Pennsylvania Railroad would merge with another failing competitor, the New York Central. The merged survivor, the Penn Central, would last only eight more years before bankruptcy would send it into oblivion, or more exactly, the arms of the government-run Conrail. $250.
We can’t conclude this review without something for collectors of Texiana. Here are two from Sam Houston. Item 70 is the Speech of Sam Houston on the Nebraska and Kansas Bill… Houston opposed the expansion of slavery into the territories, not because he was an abolitionist, but because he saw it as a threat to the Union, and he was a strong Unionist. This position would eventually end his political career and Houston would go on to be the only major Texas political figure to oppose secession. $150. Item 71 is Remarks of Sam Houston in Favor of Volunteer Forces. This 1847 item pertains to forces fighting Mexico. $175.
David M. Lesser Fine Antiquarian Books maintains a website at www.lesserbooks.com and can be reached at 203-389-8111.
