LOT #49091 |
Sold on Oct 19, 2016 for: Sign-in
or Join (free & quick)
John Adams Autographed Letter Signed as President....
Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
Description
"The Determination, whatever it may be, will cause disappointment and chagrin"
John Adams Autographed Letter Signed as President. One page with partial integral sheet, 8.2" x 9.5". Philadelphia; April 21, 1800. A letter to the Reverend Dr. Morse concerning deliberations on a "great subject" involving the Adams Administration.Sir
I am much obliged by your favour of the 5th and for your Introduction of Aaron Putnam, Esq., with whose Person and Conversation I have been much pleased.
The Preparations for a discussion on the great subject, are so advanced that I hope it will not be postponed much longer. But there are so many great objects involved in the question and so many considerations great and small to be attended to that I shall find it as difficult a subject as any that has come before me. The Determination, whatever it may be, will cause disappointment and chagrin, perhaps censure and clamor enough. But what measure of the Government does not? With great regard
John Adams
This letter is probably addressed to Jedidiah Morse (1761-1826), a noted clergyman, teacher, and geographer. Heritage recently sold at auction a letter from Aaron Putnam (referred to by Adams in this letter) to Morse, dated April 24, 1800, three days after this letter, in which he spoke of his recent dinner with President and Mrs. Adams. Morse was an ardent Federalist like President Adams, and believed that anti-Federalists were being radicalized by French revolutionaries. The "great subject" Adams mentions may relate to a decision concerning possible war with France. The quasi war with France, begun in 1798, ended in 1800 with the Convention of 1800, signed on September 30 of that year.
An interesting letter showing Adams making a tough decision knowing that it will cause an uproar among some Americans.
Condition: Slight mat burn from previous framing. Only a one and a half inch strip of the integral sheet remains, the rest has been replaced with later paper. A part of the docket in Morse's hand remains: "President Adams / April 21, 1800 / Ansd May 23. 1800". An additional line of writing in an unknown hand appears beneath the docket: "respecting a difficult..." A cryptic note in a different hand appears on page two: "question - [2y Charleston Navy Yard?]". Three separations along folds have been reinforced with paper. Together with an engraving of Adams.
Auction Info
2016 October 19 Historical Manuscripts Grand Format Auction - Dallas #6165 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
October, 2016
19th
Wednesday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 11
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 1,301
Buyer's Premium per Lot:
25% on the first $200,000 (minimum $19), plus 20% of any amount between $200,000 and $2,000,000, plus 12% of any amount over $2,000,000 per lot.
Shipping, Taxes, Terms and Bidding
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms
Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More
Terms and Conditions | Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments | Glossary of Terms