Congressman William S. Holman represented Indiana in the US Congress during the Civil War years. In this letter written from Washington City on January 3, 1861, Holman seems to understand very well the dangers that were developing within the country, and it was going to lead to war. In a reference to James Buchanan, the current President, Holman writes: "The Republican Leader could save us, but will not. I believe that nothing less than some unforeseen presidential circumstance can avert the calamity of actual and irrevocable disunion." Two months later Lincoln became President and the rest is history. 

Letter has usual folds in paper; light water stain along lower margin. Very clearly written. Measures 7 3/4" x 10", in a 13 1/4" x 18 1/4" modern archival frame.