American Civil War Era J. K. Smythe Letter-Books.

SMYTHE, J.K.

$2,800.00

Item Number: 112462

Rare collection of American Civil War era letters written by American business magnate J. K. Smythe concerning business between Europe and America during the initial years of the war. Quarto bound into two volumes in half-cloth over pebbled boards by Auguste Bellance of Paris, with marbled endpapers and a paper title label with Smythe’s signature affixed to the front panel of the first volume. Written by Smythe in Paris between 1858 and 1863, the collection includes several early letters regarding the sale and purchase of lots in New York City including proposals by Smythe to sell his lots in Harlem bordering Central Park and to purchase property on Broadway and in Manheim in addition to a letter concerning a house being built for Smythe in New York by architect Calvert Vaux who had just designed Central Park with Frederick Law Olmsted. Beginning in 1861, the letters contain several comments regarding the excitement in the state of the Union at the outbreak of the American Civil War, including a letter dated May 1961 which reads in part, “You of course get the news of the intense excitement in all the northern States in regard to the War they are inaugurating to put down rebellion – Persons who came over by the last Steamer say the excitement and Patriotism of the people can hardly be described. The Americans here are also very much excited.” In very good condition. A fascinating collection.