Estwick Evans to Thaddeus Stevens, 24 Aug. 1866
Transcribed by Keith Richard Carson and reverse-order proofed by Ryan Burgess, Furman University, from the Thaddeus Stevens Papers
Introduction:
The letter was written a year after the end of the Civil War. Estwick Evans, the Editor of the Philadelphia Tribune, wrote Stevens asking him for financial support to change the Philadelphia Tribune from a weekly paper to a daily paper. Evans attempts to persuade Stevens that a daily paper would 1) advocate all of his principles and views and 2) give him a voice politically against the policy of Andrew Johnson. Both of the clauses interested Stevens because he was in adamant opposition of Johnson and his policies. In the letter, Evans revealed the popularity of patronage in political culture. Patronage was the common practice of asking for political favors. The definition of patronage evolved into corruption which contradicted the philosophy of Republicanism. The other letter attached was written two days after Evans wrote his first letter. Evans specifically asked Stevens for a loan which would be used to buy a steam press and a lot of paper. Evans understood that the best way to make one’s political opinions public was through the media. In Evans case, it was making the Philadelphia Tribune into a daily paper. In addition to showing the popularity of political partronage, the letter reflected the growing influence the media had on shaping the perception of the public after the Civil War.
Washington City 10 O’clock P.M.
24 August 1966
Hon Mr. Stevens
Dear Sir:
It is believed that I could, as Editor, be of much influence on the Phila. Tribune, if [patronized?] into a Daily. It is a weekly now. It would advocate all your principles & views. Honl. Mr. Sumner knows me well as a writer, (permit me to say,) of Power. Suppose you should enquire of him as to this, Sir? The coming struggle between the President – a mere individual official to Execute the Laws – not to offer amendments – not to debate, -- & the Great Legislative Power – the Power of the People – original? -- every day rife &c &c What right has he to a Policy[?] Mr Lincoln had a Policy, his cause the Necessities of [the?] Country – the awful necessities of the country required momentary action – without time for orders -- like a Genl. in the field who must act on the circumstances ever changing before him. It is not a struggle of Parties merely but of great [Estates?] of the Govt. against each other – the Commons as with Cromwell’s time, against the King – who may peradventure – now – lose his head. I believe Johnson dreams of Dictatorship, & the Army, & Grant.
With my high consideration, esteem, &c
Estwick Evans
Washington City – 26 August 1866
Hon Mr Stevens
Dear Sir:
I wrote you a day or two ago. An honest & dear old Quaker friend of mine in Philadelphia has a Press – the Tribune – a weekly?? ?? can be made, at once, a Daily. I can save & re-move to Penna Sept?? I can write with power. I know every rope in the ship. What is wanted is a Loan of 3000 to purchase a steam Press, & a lot? of Paper & to start a Daily. The loan to be secured on the whole establishment. The Paper will become one of great profit, & continue?, & soon be able to refund the 3000 & int. – say in 6 mo. Will you not write Mr. [Turner?] on the subject [?] I suppose you & he are political friends. A great Daily is before you, to save the country from Civil War, & to ?? represent?? it forever.
?? high consideration
Yours truly
Estwick Evans
(benson/HST41/green/stevens3.htm)