MERCHANT'S LETTER PROMOTING THE SALE OF HENRY CLAY CAMPAIGN RIBBONS FOR THE 1844 CAMPAIGN
Collectors of 19th Century memorabilia may wonder how the items in their collection were distributed during the early political campaigns. During the 19th Century, campaign memorabilia was apparently for the most part produced as a private enterprise for sale to supporters of the various candidates in connection with the campaign or as memento of a political or historical figure of the time. The text of the 1844 letter attached to this page is an example of a merchants letter promoting the distributions/sale of political ribbons to clubs supporting Henry Clay:
Philadelphia May 18th 1844
Mr. Thos. H. Dudly
Dear Sir
At the request of a Friend I enclose for your inspection a badge assigned for Clay Clubs Association, having understood that you will require some for your County at the coming State Convention and also for Parades, Meetings, and during the contest for election of President. I am having the name of our Candidate for Vice President inserted at the bottom of the badge, which I can furnish you at $6.00 per C., and if you wish the name of your County, Township or Association inserted it can be and with the additional expense of $1.00 per C. I shall be much pleased to have an order from your County for some of them. My terms must be necessary (as I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with you) be Cash. By addressing me at Morgan Thompkins No,. 30 North 4th St. your orders will be promptly be rec. and attended to by
Your Obd. Svt,
Chas Mortimore.
You will please hand the duplicate badges to the Chief of any club or association you may select, with requests as above, and oblige yours, C.M.
Thomas Dudly, from New Jersey, later became a Delegate to the Republican Convention that nominated Abraham Lincoln in 1860.