LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 Apr Books, Manuscripts & Autographs #658  / 

25123

John Adams Autograph Letter Signed as V.P.

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1,500.00 USD Estimated At:6,000.00 - 9,000.00 USD
John Adams Autograph Letter Signed as V.P.
<B>John Adams Autograph Letter Signed <I>"John Adams"</B></I> as Vice President,</B></I> 1.25 pages, 7.25" x 9", front and verso. New York, May 18, 1790. To Oliver Whipple, Esqr., Portsmouth, New Hampshire. In full, <I>"With much pleasure I received your favour of the 26 of April: it brought fresh to my Memory the many hours we spent together in the Chambers where I first saw the Light of the Sun. I believe there are few Persons who run through a public career, especially one that interests the Passions of the People; without finding Persons to recollect Prophesies that great things will one day be his lot. The political path in which I set out </B></I> in <I>life must lead either to destitution or to great success. As I know these were not wanting persons to predict that I should rise high, and among these were Men of Merit: so on the other, I believe there were many more who prophesied that I should miss myself Family and Country, and reach nothing but Infamy. I am not sorry as you may well imagine that the Prognostications of the latter sort are not fulfilled. The Reputation of your independent and respectable circumstances gives me much pleasure. The Sent of Congress seems to be so much against many missions abroad, that I apprehend you could find no chance from that branch in which so many have already been employed with reputation who are now out of office. <B>I really think you will find no office much better than a Lawyers office. Mine I know while I held it, was the best office I ever enjoyed. As the Executive department by the Constitution is wholly in the President, I make no promises to any one and interfere as little as possible in appointments.</B></I> I should however have much pleasure in concurring with the Friends you mention, in recommending you, as far as the public service may justify. With much esteem and regard I have the honor to be, for your most obedient servant."</B></I> Lawyer Oliver Whipple (1743-1813) later served as an officer of the town of Hampton, New Hampshire, about ten miles south of Portsmouth, from 1794-1803 and was a representative in the General Court of New Hampshire from 1796-1800. Tears in the letter have been expertly repaired, the wax seal remnant covers one word ("in"), and there are folds and light stains in this exceptional, revealing letter written by Adams 13 months after his inauguration as Washington's Vice President. Overall, it is in fine condition. Accompanied by a 6" x 8" engraved portrait (image 3.5" x 4.25") of Adams with facsimile signature.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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