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John Quincy Adams Autograph Letter Signed...
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Description
John Quincy Adams Records Partial Payment on a Longstanding Debt, Carefully Accounting the Balance Due
John Quincy Adams Autograph Letter Signed ("John Quincy
Adams"). One page of a bifolium, 7 7/8 x 9 3/4 inches;
Washington; December 18, 1819. Docketed on the verso.Adams writes to T. H. Hubbard of Hamilton, likely acting as an intermediary in the settlement of a longstanding debt owed by J. B. Smith, acknowledging receipt of a partial payment and setting forth a detailed calculation of interest and remaining balance. In full:
"Dear Sir.
I have received your favour of the 9th inst.t enclosing five hundred Dollars, in Bank Bills; being in part payment of Mr. J. B. Smith's note to me of 20 September 1798 - The following minute of this payment and of the balance now due, I presume you will find correct.
Due after the last payment, received 5 June last $923.07
Interest thereon from 5 June to 18 Decm. 34.65
957.72
Deduct payment this day received. 500
Now remaining due. 457.72
I am with much Respect, Dear Sir, your very humble and obedt. Servt.
John Quincy Adams."
Concerning a debt that extends back more than two decades, the letter captures Adams in the routine but exacting work of private financial management. His calculation is precise and methodical, reducing the transaction to figures while preserving the formality of correspondence. The care taken in accounting for interest and balance reflects a habit of order and discipline that extended beyond public office into personal affairs.
Condition: Overall very good. Flattened folds with minor offset toning to both leaves at the right margin. Separations to folds of both leaves at the right margins. A few scattered, minor areas of soiling.
References: Samuel Flagg Bemis, John Quincy Adams and the Foundations of American Foreign Policy (New York: Knopf, 1949).
Auction Info
2026 June 19 The John H. Freund Americana Collection Signature® Auction #6331 (go to Auction Home page)
Auction Dates
June, 2026
19th
Friday
Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: 1
Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
Page Views: 105
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