Document 229 House Representatives Session (2 results)

48pp. Stitched in original printed blue title wrappers [spine-chipped]. Two stab holes in blank left margin. Light scattered foxing, old vertical fold, Very Good. This document, says Howes, was reprinted "to discredit" Cameron, a Pennsylvania kingmaking politician who stuffed his pockets with the spoils of a panoply of public offices. In 1838 President Van Buren made him an Indian Commissioner in charge of settling the Winnebago Indian land claims. The appointment ended in scandal when he used his own bank's notes as part of the adjustment. He became derisively known as "The Great Winnebago Chief." The front wrapper, quoting from the St. Louis Reporter, calls Cameron's activities "infamous speculation." Bibliographers-- generally recording only a 38-page pamphlet under this title-- conclude that this pamphlet was printed in 1839. That seems unlikely. Original House Document 229 was printed during the 25th Congress in 1839. This reprint was published to thwart Cameron's designs on a U.S. Senate seat, and was probably printed in 1855: he was running for the Senate that year and a related pamphlet, entitled a Rejoinder to the Defence Published by Simon Cameron, also issued in 1855. Each of them exposes Cameron's shady business dealings during his term as Indian Commissioner. "Plot of Simon Cameron and fellow rascals to defraud these Indians of half a million dollars, frustrated by a young army officer, E.A. Hitchcock" [Howes]. OCLC 38259958 [2- PA State, Boston Athen.] as of May 2023. Field 1686 and Howes W569 [38pp].

Later edition, after the first Washington edition of the same year. "Plot of Simon Cameron and fellow rascals to defraud these Indians of half a million dollars, frustrated by a young army officer, E.A. Hitchcock" - Howes. This copy bears an extensive note on the front free endpaper, claiming that it was published by a personal and political enemy of Cameron's. HOWES W569. Mid-19th century patterned maroon cloth, gilt leather label on spine. Pencil annotations on front free endpaper. Gently sunned. Very good.