Ending Sep 12, 2024 11:25 EST

Rare Books, Autographs & Maps

 
  Lot 86
 

86

John Adams on War

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.

  1. Do you believe the present War against Great Britain to be just?
  2. Do you believe it to be necessary for the honour, Interest Dignity Safety and Independence of this Nation?

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.

  1. Do you believe the present War against Great Britain to be just?
  2. Do you believe it to be necessary for the honour, Interest Dignity Safety and Independence of this Nation?

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

  • Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on September 12, 2024

  • Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions

  • We Invite You to Contact Us for a Complimentary Auction Evaluation of Your Books, Autographs & Maps


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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Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.

For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com

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