Bryant, William Cullen (1794-1878) to Hamilton A. Hill
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02595 Author/Creator: Bryant, William Cullen (1794-1878) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 February 1876 Pagination: 2 p. ; 21.6 x 13.6 cm. Order a Copy
Urges that "the present is as favorable a time as we can expect for the agitation of the free trade question." Explains the importance of free trade and elimination of a protective tariff. Declares that "During the war the country went back to a state of ignorance and prejudice on the question of free exchange," and that a new generation "who know nothing of the subject [...] easily adopted the plausibilities of the protectionists." Argues that "the currency question" is "no doubt extremely important," but "who knows when it will be settled? By waiting for it, we may produce the impression that we acquiesce in a protective tariff." Declares that protest and agitation are necessary now.
William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878) was a poet and journalist who became a powerful supporter of Lincoln and the Republican Party.
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