Autograph Note Signed Unsigned Portrait by Beecher Henry Ward (1 results)

Few 19th century clergymen achieved the level of household-name fame and influence as this renowned Congregationalist minister, the most fiery of the fire and brimstone preachers; the brother of writer Harriet Beecher Stowe of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" fame, Beecher too was an outspoken social reformer, abolitionist and lecturer whose oratory made him wildly popular; pastor of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York, from 1847 on, his meteoric popularity waned later in life only with a scandalous adultery charge brought against him. ANS, 1p, 4½" X 6", n.p., n.y. [likely ca. 1880]. Very good. Inoffensive mounting traces on verso. Arranges a meeting. In part: "I have put down in my book, tuesday Decr 2d. for you. I shall leave N.Y. in the 8 o'clock a.m. train & stop at the Girard House. Unless sick, I do not expect to miss a second time in one Season." Nicely penned. "Girard House" was a large and famous Philadelphia hotel. Accompanied by an outstanding 1860s vintage steel-engraved portrait, heavy stock 5 3/4" X 9", engraved by J.C. Buttre of New York and titled "Eminent Opponents of the Slave Power" in ornate flowing type along the lower margin. Near fine. Fine head-and-shoulders portraits of 12 noted abolitionists, each within a small oval border: John Quincy Adams at the top and beneath him the triumvirate of John Greenleaf Whittier, Wendell Phillips and Charles Sumner; surrounding this quartette are (clockwise from top) William Lloyd Garrison, Joshua R. Giddings, Cassius M. Clay, Benjamin Lundy, Owen Lovejoy, Gerrit Smith, William Cullen Bryant and Henry Ward Beecher. A great pair.