1837 LETTER Abolitionist FEDERAL DANA of PETERBORO NY/Land DEAL for Gerrit SMITH

Description

Manuscript letter (just under 7 ¾” by 13 ¼”) from Federal Dana of Peterboro, New York, to Elijah Whitney of Davenport, New York, dated December 26, 1837. The letter was not mailed but was personally delivered by a Mr. Hammork (according to note on front). Dana writes in reference to two parcels of land owned by Gerrit Smith (not mentioned in this letter though) that Whitney was interested in purchasing. The letter follows up on the matter discussed in an earlier letter. The two parcels were located south of Whitney’s farm and totaled over 178 acres. It refers to Calvin Gunn having used some of it, and mentions that Whitney had planted rye on another part of it the previous year. The price would be an acre. Federal Dana states that Calvin Gunn had visited him in Peterboro and claimed that he could get money to buy one of the parcels from his rich uncle. Dana admits that he would have to sell to him if he came up with the money first but seems a bit skeptical about Gunn’s ability to do so. Federal Dana (1789-1874) worked for Gerrit Smith as his clerk and agent and, like Smith, he was an ardent abolitionist with ties to the Underground Railroad in New York. Elijah Whitney (1790-1870) owned a farm in Davenport, New York, at this time, but would soon relocate to Sanford, New York, in nearby Broome County. He had had some dealings with Gerrit Smith ten years before. The letter is in good or better condition with light wear and soiling. Note the foxing and staining, most notably on the front and back sections when folded up (as it was stored), as well as the heavy fold marks. There a couple of small holes where the folds meet. I will send this item out in the folded position. A very nice signed letter from a prominent New York state abolitionist and reformer!