3070 – ERIVAN X

"Great Seal of Maryland" patriotic cover, handstamped "FREE" in blue and postmarked "Baltimore Md. / Jul /4" in blue, to the Honourable Wm. G. Steele in Washingon D.C., including fascinating enclosure, being a printed form letter from a citizen of Baltimore encouraging the Congressman to avert war with the South by supporting the Crittenden Compromise, the cover adhered to black backing card, the enclosure with some separation along folds, yet a fascinating glimpse into the conflicting political lobbying taking place at this crucial juncture in the early stages of the Civil War. (Weiss FT-60, Walcott L-269dv). William Gaston Steele was a Democratic politician who represented New Jersey's Third Congressional District from 1861-5; he ultimately voted against the Thirteenth Amendment.