Thomas Hart Benton

Longtime senator of Missouri (1782–1858) who was a strong advocate of westward expansion of the United States. ALS signed "Thomas H. Benton," one page, 8 x 10, September 18, 1839. Handwritten letter to "Judge Law, Vincennes, Ind.," in part: "Your two letters of the first days of this month followed me to this place, and I take the first moment to reply to them, and to express my great appreciation of your suggestions. A strong memorial, accompanied by Resolutions, & Instructions, would have a powerful effect in favor of the good object, and the preparation of them could not be in better hands than your own. Their being no session of the formal assembly in our state this year, I have undertaken to bring out facts in relation to the monopoly & its oppressions by queries addressed to my constituents, copies of which you will see in the Democratic papers of that State. All the States of the West should send in memorials, resolutions & instructions." Hand-addressed and franked on the integral leaf, "Thomas H. Benton, U.S. Senate." In very good to fine condition, with minor loss to the upper left corner, and a blank portion of the integral free franked leaf trimmed away.

Thomas Hart Benton, nicknamed "Old Bullion", was an American politician, attorney, soldier, and longtime United States senator from Missouri. A member of the Democratic Party, he was an architect and champion of westward expansion by the United States, a cause that became known as manifest destiny.

Thomas Hart Benton, 1782 - 1858

Seraphin Gallery, Philadelphia

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