Books and Manuscripts

Showman and Teetotaler P.T. Barnum Lambasts the "Traffic in intoxicating drinks"

Autograph Letter, signed
Bridgeport, Connecticut: Iranistan, Feb(ruary) 23, 1852. One sheet, 7 7/8 x 7 3/8 in. (200 x 187 mm). Autograph letter on Barnum's personal embossed stationery, to William H. Sweetser of Charlestown, Massachusetts: "Let all the people petition and strive for the Maine Liquor Law. That annihilates the Traffic in intoxicating drinks. Nothing else will do it. We must kill rum, or it will kill us or our friends. It is a mean of death...PT Barnum"; annotated in another hand at bottom, "The showman." Creasing from old folds; unevenly toned; wear in top corners from previous mount.

P.T. Barnum was an ardent supporter of the temperance movement, and during the 1850s frequently lectured and toured the country speaking about the evils of the consumption of alcohol. In the winter of 1851 Maine passed the United States's first prohibition law, and in the years following it prompted other states, including Connecticut, to attempt to pass their own.

Together with:

Autograph Letter, signed
Bridgeport, Connecticut, July 29, 1871. One sheet, 7 x 4 1/2 in. (178 x 114 mm). Autograph letter, signed by Barnum, to Alfred Andrews of New Britain, Connecticut: "Dear Sir I have sent your letter to Nathan Seeley of Bethel Ct. I know of no other person as likely to procure the information...P.T. Barnum"; with Barnum dated ink stamp at top; creasing from old folds.

Alfred Andrews (1797-1876) was the Deacon First Church in New Britain. Nathan Seeley (1837-1916) was Barnum's son-in-law, and married his youngest daughter, Pauline T. Barnum.