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James William E. Spooner : 1876-1879 HANDWRITTEN MANUSCRIPT DIARY DETAILING THE PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS OF THE DAY - THE CONTESTED RUTHERFORD HAYES SAMUEL TILDEN ELECTION

12mo - over 6¾" - 7¾" tall. On offer is the 1876 handwritten manuscript diary of 'Jas William E Spooner' as evidenced by his writing on the front endpaper. This book will be of particular interest to historians of the Boston/New Bedford where Mr. Spooner resided and presidential history. The diary begins October 1876 through April 1879. While he does write of personal and business matters the political history in the book are from Mr. Spooner's many entries regarding the contested presidential election of 1876 between Samuel Tilden and Rutherford Hayes. Here are some brief highlights: October 24 entry describes the Grant torch light procession of the Republicans through Boston. October 27th entry describes the "Carpet baggers and the horribles which looked very comical...Flag Raising on Ruggles St, Democrats" October 30th describes the Democratic torchlight Procession down through Faneuil Hall. November 3rd's lengthy entry describes the author's travels and the election results - "one night now after the political campaign is over, it is hard to determine who shall be the President there being trouble is a few of the southern states fraud claimed by both the Republican and Decmorat Partys. Grant had sent troops south and men of both partys have gone down to have a fair count of the voted but not terms of settlement have been arrived at yet the men that are running for President are Samuel Tilden Governor of New York and Ruther B Hayes, Governor and Ohio and Wheeler Vice President. Both Republicans Tilden and Hendrick are elected according as the vote stands separate from a few of the southern states whether war will terminate this election remains to be found and both partys claim the victory today" Dec 11 entry, "The political question remains still unsettled, both candidates are claimed to have been elected" Other entries include commentary on the weather, travels throughout the Boston area and down to Fairhaven / New Bedford; some boats in the New Bedford area are mentioned, as is the Howland name. Mr. Spooner also uses the book to copy a letter he has written to his friends. Cash and financial details are noted. 8vo. Leather spine, corners, worn boards, approx. 37 pp. of text.. Manuscript. Book Condition: Very Good

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