Fall Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/15/2018
Baptist preacher (1834–1892). ALS signed “C. H. Spurgeon,” two pages, 4.5 x 7.25, Westwood, Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, Sept. 30, 1887. Addressee unknown. "I shall rejoice exceedingly if the two great sister nations will resolve upon arbitration for the future. How can fighting decide anything but the relative force of the combatants?...I do not feel that I am a person of sufficient importance to write to the President; but it makes me happy to believe that there will be no difficulty with him; - he will be only too happy to see a way open of snapping the sword across the table of the council-room." The second half of the 19th century saw somewhat chilly relations between England and America, much of it having to do with trade, competition and tariffs. The Irish Fenian plot to invade Canada (which was not opposed by the American government) only added another focal point for anger. Things got so tense that by the end of the century, a treaty was proposed (but never passed by the Senate) that required arbitration in the case of major disputes between the nations (Olney-Pauncefote Treaty). Even though the treaty never went into effect, tensions eased for the next half-century or so (Churchill became pretty annoyed when the US would not join England at the outbreak of WWII. FDR did give England as much help with war materiel and training facilities as he could without arousing American anger at becoming involved it what was seen as not "our" fight.)
Charles H. Spurgen "importance to write to the President"
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