Webster, Daniel

Letter signed ("Danl Webster"), 2 pages (13 1/2 x 8 1/8 in.; 342 x 205 mm), Washington, D.C., 5 February 1852, to Thomas Wren Ward (of Baring Brothers), Howland & Aspinall, Corcoran & Riggs; formerly folded, one inch fold tear at right edge, tiny edge tears at bottom and at top right corner. Cream half-cloth clamshell box.

formerly folded, one inch fold tear at right edge, tiny edge tears at bottom and at top right corner.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The President pressures the bankers.

Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was first appointed Secretary of State in 1841, and went on to serve in the administrations of Tyler and Fillmore. One of the terms of the Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo (1848) ending the Mexican War, was that the United States was required to pay $15 million as an indemnity for war-related damage to Mexican property. This was to be paid in several installments, each subject to legislative appropriation.

Thomas Ward (1786-1858) was the American agent for Baring Brothers, who had used Webster as their legal counsel. The bankers used by the government to handle the payments despaired of receiving the final installment, and threatened to break their contract, provoking the present cajoling letter: "The President has consulted with the Secretary of the Treasury and myself, this morning, upon the subject of your various letters to this Department, saying that you consider your contract for the payment of the last installment of the indemnity to Mexico, as at an end, from the great delay of Congress in making the necessary appropriation. And the President directs me now to say that he earnestly hopes that you will reconsider this subject. He is well aware that the delay must put you to ... considerable diminution ... of the compensation which you had just right to expect to realize out of the transaction. But he fears that embarrassment may arise to the Government if compelled now to adopt a new mode of making that payment. He prefers that the contract should continue ... if you can see your way clear still to conform to it. Thus far you have discharged your undertaking in the most satisfactory manner. ... The President has entire confidence in you all ..."