RARE, Fine 1870 Political Letter PA Congressman RICHARD M. SPEER Needs Money For Sale

Offered here is a very rare 3pp. ALS, 5" x 8" (folded sheet), dated Huntingdon [Pennsylvania] 3d Sep. [18]70, sent to the Honorable W. A. Wallace, signed R. M. Speer, with fine political content:In this urgent political appeal for campaign funds, Speer is writing to Wallace to beg for financial backing because his congressional campaign is in severe jeopardy. Speer writes from Huntingdon on September 3, 1870 and notes that he has just returned from Altoona, where he found Wallace’s previous letter waiting for him. He explains that he has officially been nominated for office and accepted the nomination before he even had read Wallace's letter. He bluntly states, "Now, I must have aid." He appeals to their friendship, asking Wallace to recognize how desperately he needs help at this moment. Speer admits that he might lose, but confidently asserts: "If I cannot be elected, I do not think any other Democrat in this District could." He tells Wallace that it is within his power to control how funds are distributed. Speer confesses, "I have no friend at Court but you, & if you fail me, I must 'paddle my own canoe.'" He claims he can command local funds, but shouldn't be asked to do so because the hope of winning in this particular district is so "forlorn." He refuses to use his own personal money beyond basic campaign expenses, noting that trying to fight the election without external funding will mean certain defeat. He writes, "Whatever is done, should be done quickly." He asks Wallace to telegraph him immediately so he knows what to expect. If Wallace can't secure him the cash, Speer wants him to say so plainly so he can "govern myself accordingly." He makes one last earnest appeal for quick financial help. He closes by noting his travel schedule: he will be in Ebensburg on Tuesday, and then back home for the rest of the week. He signs it, "Your friend, R. M. Speer."Folds, some ink smear, light toning, with Wallace docket-- very good overall. ROBERT MILTON SPEER (1838-1890) was a Democratic lawyer and politician from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. At the exact time he wrote this letter (September 3, 1870), he had just been nominated to run for the U.S. House of Representatives. He won that election and served in Congress from 1871 to 1875. Robert M. Speer was born in Cassville, Pennsylvania. He attended Cassville Academy, taught school, studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1859 and commenced practice in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He was elected assistant clerk of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives in 1863. Speer was elected as a Democrat to the Forty-second and Forty-third Congresses. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1874. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Conventions in 1872 and 1880. He resumed the practice of law and in 1876 became one of the proprietors of the Huntingdon Monitor. He was an unsuccessful candidate for election in 1880 to the Forty-seventh Congress. He died in New York City in 1890. Interment is in Riverview Cemetery in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. WILLIAM ANDREW WALLACE (1827 – 1896) was an American lawyer and politician from Pennsylvania who served as a Democratic member of the United States Senate for Pennsylvania from 1875 to 1881. He also served as a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate for the 20th district from 1863 to 1886 including as speaker in 1871.