Single page, 7-3/4" x 12-3/4." Entirely in ink manuscript. Dated June 20, 1840, and signed at the end by Watkins and Swoope, with Jno. J. McMahon as witness. Inner edge is irregular. Closed tear [no loss] repaired expertly at blank bottom margin. Very Good. This documents records the terms of a wager on the outcome of the 1840 presidential election. "Watkins betts Swoope Ten Bales Cotton of Best quality weighing Five Hundred Pounds Each, on each State in the union (26 in number) that Van Buren will receive a majority of the Electoral votes in the contest now pending between Van Buren and Wm. H. Harrison for the Presidency." In case that's not entirely clear, "The true intent and meaning of the parties is that Watkins risks Ten Bales Cotton in each State in the Union in favour of Van Buren and every state that Van Buren receives a majority of the Electoral votes." The bet is made on the electoral vote of each State. Watkins risking in favor of Van Buren & Swoope in favor of Harrison. . . The cotton to be delivered in Courtland to the winning party in five parcels annually for five years commencing on the 1st day of January 1841." A calculation of States and bales can be seen at the bottom left corner in pencil. Robert H[erndon] Watkins [1782-1855] was a farmer in Courtland. Jacob K[uhn] Swoope [1800-1841] partnered with his two brothers in the successful Courtland mercantile firm of J & J Swoope in Courtland. John T. McMahon [c.1805-1857] was a Courtland commission merchant in the firm of Bierne & McMahon for many years. [Saunders, Col. James E.: EARLY SETTLERS OF ALABAMA WITH NOTES AND GENEALOGIES, New Orleans:1899, accessed online.].

Seller Inventory # 39023

Contact seller

Report this item

Bibliographic Details

Title

A SIGNED AND WITNESSED WAGER BETWEEN ROBERT H. WATKINS AND JACOB K. SWOOPE ON THE OUTCOME OF THE 1840 PRESIDENTIAL CONTEST BETWEEN INCUMBENT PRESIDENT MARTIN VAN BUREN AND WHIG CHALLENGER WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON

Publisher

[Courtland, Lawrence Cty., Alabama

Publication Date

1840

Seller catalogs

Store Description

David M. Lesser specializes in Americana of the 18th and 19th Centuries. Some areas of concentration are listed above. Please call for an appointment to see my stock in person at my office. My web site is available for your perusal at www.lesserbooks.com.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Association Member

Members of these associations are committed to maintaining the highest standards. They vouch for the authenticity of all items offered for sale. They provide expert and detailed descriptions, disclose all significant defects and/or restorations, provide clear and accurate pricing, and operate with fairness and honesty during the purchase experience.

Seller's business information

David M. Lesser, ABAA
CT, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All items are subject to prior sale, and guaranteed as described. Wrappers described when present; 'dbd' means disbound. Items reserved for 7 days after order, pending receipt of payment. Any item returnable within 10 days after receipt, in same condition as sent, for any reason; except that the Consumer Rights Directive of the European Commission shall apply to any transaction subject to that Directive. Prior notification required. My liability limited to purchase price paid. Institutions bille...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Postage or shipping to addresses in the United States: $7.00 1st book, $1.50 each additional item. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Non-U.S. shipments charged at cost. We observe all customs regulations.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 10.00	US$ 10.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.

Payment Methods

Check Money Order Cash Bank Draft

Add to Wants