1851 HANDWRITTEN AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED [ALS] REGARDING A NEW WRITING INSTRUMENT WRITTEN IN THE REVERE HOUSE

VERY RARE, ORIGINAL 1851 HANDWRITTEN LETTER FROM DANIEL WEBSTER. This excellent letter, dated April 28th, 1951, was written by Daniel Webster to George Stimpson, thanking him for his "improved gold pen." Webster states: "it is, in truth, the only metallic pen I have ever been able to write with." Notably, letter originated from the "Revere House" (i.e. Paul Revere House) in Boston, Massachusetts. It was from this spot a year earlier (at Bowdoin Square in front of the Revere House) that Webster had made his most stirring speech, in which he supported the Fugitive Slave Law. Ultimately, this controversial position cost him any hope of achieving the Presidency. In the same historic address, Webster also made an impassioned plea for national unity at a time when "peaceable secession" was being pushed by Southern states. Bio notes: Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was a famous statesman, lawyer, and renowned orator during the nation's antebellum era. He delivered his first public address as a student at Dartmouth, going on to make dozens of memorable speeches throughout his life. Webster first rose to regional prominence through his vigilant defense of New England shipping interests. His increasingly nationalistic positions, combined with the effectiveness with which he articulated them, vaulted Webster into the national limelight. He soon became one of the nation's most celebrated orators and influential Whig leaders. As an attorney, he argued several important cases which established constitutional precedents, thereby strengthening the authority of the Federal government. As Secretary of State, Webster negotiated the Webster-Ashburton Treaty which established the definitive Eastern border between the United States and Canada. Webster was a key figure throughout his Congressional tenure, during the U.S. Senate's so-called "Golden Age". Like his colleague Henry Clay, Webster's desire to see the Union preserved and conflict averted led him to seek out compromises designed to stave off the threatened division between the North and South. He made three unsuccessful bids for the Presidency, his final attempt failing largely as a result of his compromises. Webster's efforts to steer the nation away from civil war and towards a lasting peace were without equal during his time. He is highly regarded for his attempts, and was officially named by the Senate (1957) as one of its five most outstanding members. Rare letter remains in good condition. One side written on, with verso blank (see scans). Marginal darkening, horizonal fold along middle, genererally clean with ink bold and legible. Letter measures approx 4" x 6 1/2". Written and signed a mere year before Mr. Webster's death. Quite a find and a very worthy acquisition indeed.