PRESENTATION FIRST EDITION OF AN ADDRESS DELIVERED AT THE FUNERAL OF NATHANIEL FILLMORE, 1863, INSCRIBED BY MILLARD FILLMORE

(FILLMORE, Millard) HOSMER, George W. An Address Delivered at the Funeral of Nathaniel Fillmore, Esq. of Aurora, Erie County, N.Y. Buffalo: Franklin Steam Printing House, 1863. Octavo, original printed paper wrappers, sewn as issued; pp. (4) 14 (2). Housed in custom half morocco slipcase. $1800.

First edition of a eulogy delivered at the funeral of Millard Fillmore’s father, presentation copy inscribed by the former President on the front wrapper, “N.E. Hist. & Genealogical Register, with the regards of Millard Fillmore.” With postmarked autograph free frank panel addressed to the “New England Historical and Genealogical Register & Antiquarian Journal, Boston, Massachusetts” and signed by Fillmore tipped in.

Unitarian minister George Hosmer praises Millard Fillmore's father Nathaniel as "a leader and a judge among the pioneers… who represents to us a departed generation, which by toil and sacrifice turned the wilderness into homes for us… Very sad it is to see these white-haired leaders of our procession of life pass on down the hill and disappear." Hosmer and Millard Fillmore enjoyed a long and close friendship, despite Hosmer's disagreement with the nation's 13th president on several issues, notably the Fugitive Slave Act Fillmore signed into law as part of the Compromise of 1850. Founded in 1845, the New England Historic Genealogical Society is the United States' oldest and largest genealogical society, and its Register is the oldest journal in American genealogy. The postmark on the free frank panel indicates Fillmore sent this pamphlet to the Society two weeks after the funeral. Bibliographic pencil notation to last, blank page.

Text block expertly reattached to wrapper. Light fold to text block, free frank panel and wrappers. A near-fine inscribed presentation copy.