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Collection Reference Number GLC03587.17
From Archive Folder Collection of letters to John Cripps, General Gadsden's Secretary 
Title James Gadsden to John Cripps talking about politics and most current issues in Washington
Date 23 May 1856
Author Gadsden, James (1788-1858)  
Recipient Cripps, John S.  
Document Type Correspondence
Content Description Writes to his Secretary about his longer-than-expected journey from Vera Cruz. Discusses his family and personal news. Mentions an upcoming lecture given by Dr. Lynch on the Toleration of Catholicism. Mentions the possibility, and fear, of a war with Great Britain. Talks about politics and the most current issues in Washington: Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Democratic National Convention of which President Pierce should be watchful. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms surrounded by laurels, above "Paris."
Subjects American Statesmen  Government and Civics  Treaty  Diplomacy  Latin and South America  American West  Mexican War  Military History  Politics  Global History and Civics  Travel  Children and Family  Religion  Catholicism  Election  Democratic Party  President  
People Cripps, John S. (fl. 1820-1875)  Gadsden, James (1788-1858)  
Place written Charleston, South Carolina
Theme Government & Politics; The Mexican War
Sub-collection The Gilder Lehrman Collection, 1493-1859
Additional Information Gadsden was a railroad promoter and advocated a Southern rail system, the purpose of which would be to control the trade of the South and the West, thereby freeing those regions from their dependency on the North. To further this end he promoted Southern commercial conventions, and at a convention in 1845 he boldly urged the construction of a railroad to the Pacific. In 1853, when Jefferson Davis was Secretary of War in Pierce's cabinet, Gadsden was appointed minister to Mexico to negotiate for territory along the border. The result was the Gadsden Purchase. He was recalled in 1856 for exceeding his instructions. Cripps was General Gadsden's Secretary and a sawyer by profession.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859