Description:

Russell Sage
Troy, NY, September/October 1854
Russell Sage Scarce Pair of Letters Concerning his Campaign
ALS
Russell Sage (1816-1906). A pair of Autograph Letters Signed, "Russell Sage", each 1p on blue ruled stationery measuring 8" x 9.75", Troy, New York, September 11, 1854 and October 2, 1854. To T. D. Platt, Esq. Expected mailing folds, with some separation and minor loss at same. Wear to both letters includes ink smudging; foxing and toning; soiling and discoloration; and a bit of chipping at edges. Overall, in near very good condition.

Sage's September 11th letter, marked "Confidential", in full: Tracy & Climes opposed my re-nomination. It is without cause and very unjust as well as unexpected. They have started four candidates, three of whom, have, as I am informed, declined, leaving Volney Richmond as the remaining candidate. Now I feel I should be sustained by the Whigs of my District, and so far as I have heard any expression, beyond the small circle alluded to above it is very decided in approval. Now, my Dear Sir, I meant you to see that the right kind of Delegates are appointed in your Town. Some of the Towns appoint their County Delegates at the time they appoint their District Delegates which takes place this week. I think Denio is right and suppose George Gardner and Henry T. Douglass to be. However, I leave this whole matter with you and want you to attend to it. Come as one yourself without fail. I have not been to Lansingburgh as yet - will see to your interest there when I go. I fear C. Moffet is from wrong from influences here."

Sage's October 2nd letter, in full: "I write you in great haste in reply to your last note as I was just leaving for New York. I intended to have asked you for the names of the authors of the malicious falsehoods they told you, and should now be obliged if you will give them to me, and if you desire it I will keep it a secret, but act to guard against a similar outrage as the one to you. I find Richmond & Gard. have been in Hoosick, Pittstown, Petersburgh & Berlin with what success remains to be seen. There is scarcely but one opinion in our City, amongst the respectable portion of our citizens, against Richmond and the concern of Climes Tracy & Co, as it is almost entirely confined to the corner of Congress & Second Streets. I shall rely upon you having every thing all right in your Town for me."

American financier, railroad tycoon and Whig Congressman from Troy, New York, Sage was one of the richest Americans in the19th century. He built an enormous fortune by financing other businesses, most notably railroads, and was closely connected to Jay Gould and his railroad investments. Olivia Slocum Sage, his second wife, inherited his fortune, which was unrestricted for her use. In his name she used the money for philanthropic purposes, endowing a number of buildings and institutions to benefit women's education: she established the Russell Sage Foundation in 1907 and founded the Russell Sage College for women in 1916.

Sage's autograph material is not easily found; his handwritten letters are uncommon to scarce. His success did not run to politics where he held office for a short while and never advanced beyond the House of Representatives.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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