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John Adams 1791 Signed Letter on Importing Arms f

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
John Adams 1791 Signed Letter on Importing Arms f
<B>John Adams 1791 Signed Letter on Importing Arms from Europe</B></I> Autograph letter signed, "John Adams" as Vice President, two pages, 8" x 9", Philadelphia, May 22, 1791 to Governor Thomas Mifflin of Pennsylvania concerning the importation of arms from Europe for the Pennsylvania militia. Adams writes in full: "Sir I have received the letter you did me the honour to write me on the twelfth of this Month: and have maturely considered the subject of it: The substance of your Excellencies first request is that I would instruct the American Ministers in Europe to use their Influence to obtain Permission from the respective Government for exporting from Great Britain, Holland or Hamburgh, Ten thousand Stands of arms for the use of the Militia of Pensilvania sic . At this request appears to me to be reasonable and proper, I shall readily and cheerfully comply with it, whenever you Excellency shall be pleased to indicate to me or to the Secretary of State, the names of the Agents proposed to be employed. Your Excellency's Second request is, that, as the proposed importation is an object of national utility I would submit to the consideration of Congress the expediency of a remission of the duties payable on such importation. On this point, permit me, respectfully to observe that the recommendations of the President to Congress have commonly related the Measures of general Policy and a deviation from this rule may be attended with inconvenience: that an Exemption from Duties on Arms imported for a particular State would operate as a grant to that State and out of course be provided for by a Special Law. Of the Policy of recommending a general Repeal of the Duties on Arms imported in to the United States, doubts are entertained, as a Manufacture would thereby discouraged, which it is the public Interest to support and encourage." A valid question as American manufacturing was still in its infancy and unable to produce goods as cheaply as in Europe and required protection to flourish. The weakness of the United States military at the time was profound and gave many a reason for pause, thus the urge for importation. Minor bleed from verso, otherwise extremely bright and clean. Nicely matted with a second frame affixed with a hinge to allow easy viewing of both sides of the letter. <I>From the collection of Bradley O'Leary.</B></I> <I>Accompanied by COA from PSA/DNA.</B></I>