ADAMS, JOHN
Autograph letter signed, dated December 30th, 1812, to William Smith of Quincy, Mass. Single sheet, 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches (24.5 x 19.5 cm); single page on a bifolium with conjugate address leaf, 15 lines plus salutation and felicitations, written in brown ink. Usual folds. Some silked restorations to some of these folds with small losses, not impeding legibility, mat burn to extreme edges of document, traces of seal to address leaf. Framed.
America's second president (writing some years after his retirement from that office) addresses the subject of war, following the commencement of the War of 1812. He writes to his grandson, William Steuben Smith (whose future gave both Abigail and John Adams great concern) the following remarkable missive:
Sir, It is a serious thing to engage in War; and another very serious thing to recommend any Gentleman to the Government for any employment in the Conduct of a War. You will therefore I presume excuse the Liberty I take of asking a few Questions.
If you can conscientiously answer those questions in the affirmative I can and I will recommend you to the Government. If you cannot I advise you not to solicit or accept any employment in the Service of Sea or Land.
If your mind is made up in conformity to these principles I should be glad to confer with you farther concerning your Education, ^Age, travels and capture under orders or Decrees.
I am, Sir, with much regard for you and respect for your connections your well wishes and [am] your humble servant
John Adams.
Sold for $7,680
Estimated at $8,000 - $12,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
ADAMS, JOHN
Autograph letter signed, dated December 30th, 1812, to William Smith of Quincy, Mass. Single sheet, 9 3/4 x 7 1/2 inches (24.5 x 19.5 cm); single page on a bifolium with conjugate address leaf, 15 lines plus salutation and felicitations, written in brown ink. Usual folds. Some silked restorations to some of these folds with small losses, not impeding legibility, mat burn to extreme edges of document, traces of seal to address leaf. Framed.
America's second president (writing some years after his retirement from that office) addresses the subject of war, following the commencement of the War of 1812. He writes to his grandson, William Steuben Smith (whose future gave both Abigail and John Adams great concern) the following remarkable missive:
Sir, It is a serious thing to engage in War; and another very serious thing to recommend any Gentleman to the Government for any employment in the Conduct of a War. You will therefore I presume excuse the Liberty I take of asking a few Questions.
If you can conscientiously answer those questions in the affirmative I can and I will recommend you to the Government. If you cannot I advise you not to solicit or accept any employment in the Service of Sea or Land.
If your mind is made up in conformity to these principles I should be glad to confer with you farther concerning your Education, ^Age, travels and capture under orders or Decrees.
I am, Sir, with much regard for you and respect for your connections your well wishes and [am] your humble servant
John Adams.
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, ending Sep 12, 2024
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps September 12, 2024 saw diverse offerings of printed and manuscript Americana, maps of all regions, early printing, fine bindings and library sets, fine printing and private press, travel and sport, science and technology, books on art and architecture, children’s and illustrated books, and English literature and American literature. Also featured were original autograph manuscripts and letters, illustration art and memorabilia. Add to an existing collection or begin a new one!
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