1847 Andrew Climie Letter Future Michigan Legislator MI.Capital Debate #1423

Original October 17, 1847 letter from Eaton Rapids, Michigan, signed “Your Affectionate Brother, Andrew Climie.” The writer is very likely Andrew Climie (1834–1897), who later served as a Michigan state legislator and Regent of the University of Michigan. Written when Climie was approximately 13 years old, the letter discusses the ongoing debate over the location of Michigan’s permanent state capital. He mentions Eaton Rapids, Jackson, Marshall, Lansing-area land, financial and land offers, and James Seymour, a prominent landowner and banker associated with the capital-location campaign. The letter also describes the Grand River running unusually high, affecting local saw and flour mills, along with pioneer life, family news, school subjects, fruits, berries and daily activities in early Michigan. The integral address panel is addressed to Miss Helen Garton, Vernon, Oneida County, New York. Postal markings include a red manuscript “Eaton Rapids, Mich.” marking and a large red “10” rate marking, consistent with the 10-cent rate for letters traveling more than 300 miles before postage stamps became mandatory. An important piece of early Michigan political, postal and social history, offering a firsthand contemporary glimpse into the 1847 capital controversy and life in pioneer-era Eaton Rapids. The probable connection to future Michigan legislator and University of Michigan Regent Andrew Climie adds significant historical interest. Condition: Original folds, age toning, staining, spotting and fold wear as shown. Remnants of the original sealing wax remain. No attempt has been made to clean, repair or alter the document. Please examine all photographs carefully. Sold as an original 1847 historical manuscript and postal-history item. The identification of the writer as Andrew Climie is based on the signature, date, location, recipient address and biographical connections; further genealogical documentation may be desirable for absolute confirmation.