31

James Madison ALS

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
James Madison ALS
“Winners will be notified after the auction ends and once all bids have been processed to determine the winner for each lot”
James Madison autograph letter signed, written at the age of 81 from his Montpelier, Virginia home, dated 17 August 1832. Letter is addressed to Israel K. Tefft [sic], an early collector of autographs, who wrote to Madison to verify the authenticity of George Washington's signature on a letter. Reads in full: ''Dear Sir: Your letter of July 31 enclosing a letter from Genl. Washington to Genl. McIntosh came duly to hand. The signature is certainly by Genl. Washington himself, and it is equally certain I think that the body of the letter is in the hand of another -- the original draft having probably been retained and a copy of it sent as must have been frequently the case with him. In writing his name he did not differ from his other writing, and that, as I happen to know, underwent no change from the period of [17]83 till within a few years of his death. I take this occasion to thank you for the several newspapers politely forwarded to me some time ago. They contained publications from able pens as well as on important subjects. I hazard nothing in the remark notwithstanding the slight attention to them permitted by the very impaired health under which I have long been labouring. I return the letter as desired with an offer of my cordial respects and good wishes.'' Signed clearly, ''James Madison''. Letter is written on one page measuring 7.5'' x 9.5'', plus blank integral leaf. Nicely framed with a creme-colored mat to an overall size of 14.25'' x 17''. Near fine.