ADAMS, JOHN
Autograph letter signed with initials as President to Secretary of War James McHenry. Quincy: 14 April 1799. Single-page autograph letter on a watermarked bifolium, initialed at end "J.A.", the address panel addressed and signed in full in Adams' hand "James McHenry Esq./Secretary at War/ J.Adams/Philadelphia", with three small black stamps ("Free", "Boston" and "15AP"), docketting likely in McHenry's hand, and remnants of red wax seals. 9 5/8 x 7 3/4 inches (24.5 x 19.7 cm). Usual folds, a few expert restorations to the panels of the address leaf, one short tear repaired to the verso of the first leaf.
President Adams here recommends several soldiers to McHenry and forwards letters (not present). Adams would write several letters to McHenry recommending officers as he built up the army following the XYZ Affair and the Quasi-War.
Published in the Founders Archive: see https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-02-02-3435