Details
TYLER, JULIA, First Lady. Autograph letter signed ("J. Tyler") to William M. Evarts (Sec. of State under Rutherford B. Hayes), Sherwood Forest, Virginia, 11 November 1876. 3 pages, 8vo, ink a bit pale, otherwise fine.
A FORMER FIRST LADY COMMENTS ON THE HAYES-TILDEN ELECTION.
A spirited letter on the controversial 1876 Presidential election: "I offer you my congratulations -- for undoubtedly if the Republican nominee [Rutherford B. Hayes] is elected it has been your speech, which we all concede here was very powerful, that has effected the result. I do not believe that 'single vote' could have otherwise been obtained. Of course there are few in the South who will not be absolutely distressed at such a result, but should you be the guiding hand of the Administration I am sure they will not long have cause for regret. I have not yet heard the result, but the tidings will soon come in by the passing boat, & whether it is for or against the Southern side...I cannot resist telling you...how acknowledged is the power of your words. If that 'single vote' has really been cast for [Democratic Presidential nominee Samuel] Tilden, great will be the rejoicing I shall hear far & wide...That address almost persuaded me to be a Republican, but I was cast out among the Rebels!"
The election of 1876 between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel B. Tilden was the most controversial in the history of the United States. The electoral votes of South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana were all in confusion, so Congress created a fifteen-man electoral college to resolve the dispute. Eight of the fifteen were Republicans, and each voted along party lines. Although Tilden clearly won the popular vote, he lost the election by just one electoral vote.
A FORMER FIRST LADY COMMENTS ON THE HAYES-TILDEN ELECTION.
A spirited letter on the controversial 1876 Presidential election: "I offer you my congratulations -- for undoubtedly if the Republican nominee [Rutherford B. Hayes] is elected it has been your speech, which we all concede here was very powerful, that has effected the result. I do not believe that 'single vote' could have otherwise been obtained. Of course there are few in the South who will not be absolutely distressed at such a result, but should you be the guiding hand of the Administration I am sure they will not long have cause for regret. I have not yet heard the result, but the tidings will soon come in by the passing boat, & whether it is for or against the Southern side...I cannot resist telling you...how acknowledged is the power of your words. If that 'single vote' has really been cast for [Democratic Presidential nominee Samuel] Tilden, great will be the rejoicing I shall hear far & wide...That address almost persuaded me to be a Republican, but I was cast out among the Rebels!"
The election of 1876 between Republican Rutherford B. Hayes and Democrat Samuel B. Tilden was the most controversial in the history of the United States. The electoral votes of South Carolina, Florida and Louisiana were all in confusion, so Congress created a fifteen-man electoral college to resolve the dispute. Eight of the fifteen were Republicans, and each voted along party lines. Although Tilden clearly won the popular vote, he lost the election by just one electoral vote.