Wood, Fernando (1812-1881). Mayor of New York City and Copperhead U.S. Congressman. AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED by the former Mayor of New York City and Confederate sympathizing U.S. Congressman FERNANDO WOOD regretting that he will not be able to address a meeting. Washington, June 13, 1864. Over 42 words lightly penned on an 8 inch high by 5 inch wide sheet of creamy white paper with attached blank leaf. A device is embossed in blind at top left. The former mayor and congressman writes to "Mr. Emery" that "I regret that it will be impossible for me to accept your invitation to address a meeting....July 4. An engagement already entered into will prevent." Signed in full "Fernando Wood". Folded vertically and horizontally with a small chip out from the front edge of the page. There is a piece out from inner corner of the attached blank leaf, likely from the removal of a seal. Good.
A New York Democrat in the period leading to and following the Civil War, Fernando Wood (1812-1881), rose through the Tammany Hall system and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. He was subsequently elected twice to non-consecutive terms as Mayor of New York City. His administration was marked by his dictatorial approach and political corruption. Elected again to Congress, he served as a Copperhead, expressing political sympathies for the Confederacy during the Civil War.