Description

Description: On October 12, 1853, in a small hamlet called Boston Square, which was outside the jurisdiction of local law enforcement, an illegal, bare-knuckles fight between James “Yankee” Sullivan (40 years old) and John “Od Smoke” Morrisey (22years old) took place, attracting about 5, 000 spectators. Though Morrisey was badly hurt, he used his youth to his advantage to wear out the older fighter. Spectators rushed the ring in the 37th round, when the fighters were by the ropes. The referees intervened to send the fighters back into the center of the ring. When Sullivan did not comply promptly, Morrisey was declared the winner, winning $2,000. On October 15, 1853, Governor Horatio Seymour inquired about this fight, in this letter to Russell G. Dorr (?), as he wished to punish the “brutal perpetrators.”:

“Dear Sir,

You will confer a favor on me if you will advise me at your earliest convenience in what State the recent prize fight between Sullivan & Morrisey took place – If it is possible I am determined to have the brutal perpetrators of the outrage punished. / Very truly your [?] / Horatio Seymour”

Autograph letter signed on 9 ¾” x 7” light blue stationery of the “State of New York, Executive Department”.

Horatio Seymour (1810-1886) was an American politician who served two non-consecutive terms as New York State Governor in 1853-54 and 1863-64. He was the Democratic Party Presidential nominee in 1868, but lost to Ulysses S. Grant. He was also a strong opponent of radical Reconstruction which gave voting and other rights to freed slaves.

James Sullivan died in 1856 under debatable circumstances in a San Francisco prison.

Morrisey founded the Saratoga Race track and became a New York State senator and successful businessman.

Item #A02062

Condition: Mailing fold lines, a 1 ½” tear at one of the bottom fold lines has been repaired with old tape on verso (does not affect text or signature), some scattered light soil. Generally good condition.