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Elbridge Gerry ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Elbridge Gerry ALS
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Declaration of Independence Signer Elbridge Gery partial autograph letter signed, dated 20 February 1809 from Cambridge, Massachusetts, just 12 days before Madison succeeded Jefferson as President. Docketed by Gerry on verso of fifth page, ''Copy of a letter to / his Excelly James Madison / President of the U States / 20th Feby 1809.'' The docket, signature, and at least the fifth page are in Gerry's hand. Letter most likely executed at more than one sitting, with a possibility that Gerry wrote more than just the final page. Letter discusses escalating tensions between Great Britain and France and the U.S., with over 200 words about Napoleon, and reads in part, ''I confess to you, my dear Sir, that I have been more alarmed of late, than at any preceding period for the public welfare. The objects of G. Britain and France, are first to dupe us into the promotion of their respective views; and then to reward us with the honor of being their vassals. our objects are to avoid their wiles, to pursue our own interests, and to be armed at every point, against both of them. Britain conducts her affairs here, by her agents, who put on the garb of federalists, but are as different from uncorrupted American federalists, as they are from true republicans. France has her agents garbed as republicans, but as different from them in principles, as the latter are from Napoleon: and God knows he has not a principle of republicanism in his pericranium. The ultimate object of the British, is concealed from the American federalists: the present object of both, is to unite the legislatures of the New England.'' Document, measuring 7.25'' x 12'', runs 5pp., front and verso. Mounting tape remnants on two pages show through, else near fine condition.