1847 John C Calhoun ALS Signed Letter to Sen James Morehead KY Breckinridge Prov For Sale

Rare 1847 Senate "Whip" Letter from John C. Calhoun to Kentucky Governor James T. Morehead — Breckinridge Family Provenance

For the serious collector of Southern History and Antebellum Politics: This is a museum-grade "grangerized" display featuring an autograph letter signed (ALS) by John C. Calhoun (Vice President, Secretary of State, SC Senator), addressed to Senator James T. Morehead (12th Governor of Kentucky).

The Provenance:This piece originates directly from the private papers of the prominent Breckinridge family of Kentucky. It represents a tangible link between three of the South’s most powerful political dynasties: Calhoun, Morehead, and Breckinridge.

The Letter:

• Date: January 5, 1847 (Dated "Tuesday 5th Jany" – Confirmed by Senate roster and perpetual calendar).

• Place: Senate Chamber, Washington D.C.

• Content: A formal summons to a "Sub Committee," requesting Morehead's "punctual attendance."

• Historical Context: Written during a rare moment of cooperation between Calhoun (Democrat) and Morehead (Whig) on Western/Mississippi River infrastructure improvements.

"Senate Chamber / Tuesday 5th Jany / Dr Sir, The Sub Committee of which I am Chairman will meet at 10 O'clock tomorrow morning in the same room they did before. Please be punctual in your attendance. / Truly / J.C. Calhoun / [To] Hon Mr Morehead"

The Recipient:James Turner Morehead (1797–1854) was a close ally of Henry Clay, the 12th Governor of Kentucky, and a U.S. Senator. The connection between Calhoun and Morehead is historically significant, bridging the gap between Southern Nullifiers and Kentucky Whigs.

The Display & Framing:The letter is framed alongside a striking mid-19th-century steel engraving of Calhoun by Alexander Hay Ritchie (c. 1852), depicting him in the famous "Great Triumvirate" standing pose.

• Original 19th-Century Housing: The frame retains its original wooden slat backboards (likely pine/poplar). This is an exceptionally rare feature that confirms the piece has remained in this frame since the mid-19th century (c. 1850s–1870s). It has not been opened or altered in ~170 years.

Condition Report:

• Signature: Bold and dark.

• Paper: legible with expected age-toning.

• Frame: Vintage wood frame with original glass (wavy/bubbled).

• Backing: Original wood slats are intact. Note to buyer: Due to the age of the wooden backing, we recommend a "sympathetic refit" by a professional framer to add an archival barrier layer, though the current state is 100% authentic to the period.

Shipping:Will be packed with extreme care using archival-grade materials. Insured shipping required.

• Author: John C. Calhoun

• Recipient: James T. Morehead

• Date of Creation: 1847

• Signed: Yes

• Region: US - South

• Theme: Politics, Americana, Kentucky History