Lot 270
John Quincy Adams (1767-1848), Sixth President of the U.S. (1825-1829), Secretary of State under Monroe (1817-1825), U.S. Representative from Massachusetts (1831-1848), son of 2nd President, John Adams. Autograph Letter Signed as President, two pages [two sides of same sheet], 8 x 10, Quincy, Mass., September 10, 1827: To "Richard Rush - Secretary of the Treasury - Washington". Headed "Private", Adams writes:
"…I return herewith the letter [not present] from Mr. Charles Hay, with the copies of the correspondence relating to the Mexican Squadron at Key West. -- The last application and recommendations for the appointment of Appraiser at Charleston S.C. -- and a letter from William Hammond, surveyor of the Port of North Kingston, in the district of New port, R.I. to me, tendering the resignation of his Office -- and with which there are several letters recommending his son Pardon T. Hammond, as his successor. They were delivered to me at Boston, by another son, whom I informed that the resignation and the recommendations must be transmitted to the Secretary of the Treasury. I promised also to forward them myself -- assuring him that the recommendations were satisfactory to me. But adding that the resignation of his father might be known so other candidates might have the opportunity of offering themselves and their pretensions before the appointment could be made.
I have not at hand the Volumes of the U.S. Laws, but have no doubt that your proceedings on the application of Captain Burton have been correct, and with the decision to be made conformably to the precedent.
I likewise enclose a letter from Mr Degrand to me which on my return to Washington, I shall be glad to have returned to me. He spoke to me upon the subject, and complained that the Officers of the Customs at Philadelphia were continually thwarting him in his success with petty vexations on account of his politics, treating him differently from others. He now asks a special order from me, which I cannot give. I told him that if any Officer of the Customs showed favours to others which they denied to him, he might appeal to higher authority till he comes to the Treasury Department, where he would be sure of having impartial justice -- but that he must specify his cause of complaints. As he says he has made his statement to the Comptroller, I am sure it will receive all proper attention.
I filled the blank in the Commission for one appraiser at Charleston S.C. with the name of John Gaitland. I since observe his own letter of application and all the recommendatory letters add a junior to his name. I had thought this was of course dropped after the decease of his uncle. But if necessary, the alteration may be made in the commission. "
Enlightening content showing Adams’ involvement in the minute details of running his presidency. In fresh Extremely Fine condition and accompanied by an engraved portrait.
Estimate 5,000 - 7,500
ADAMS’ PRESIDENTIAL LETTERS IN FULL HOLOGRAPH ARE QUITE RARE.
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| Realized $5,250 |
