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John Tyler Writes a Personal Letter as President John Tyler writes a personal letter as President to

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 3,500.00 USD
John Tyler Writes a Personal Letter as President John Tyler writes a personal letter as President to
<B>John Tyler writes a personal letter as President to his daughter regarding his second marriage, "...it is better to give you a young step-mother than an old one."</B></I> Autograph Letter Signed, three pages, measuring 8" x 10". Written at Washington, April 21, 1844. Fine but for repairs to verso of page three and a few scattered stain marks. <BR><BR>The letter written from Washington to his daughter Mary reads in full: "<I>My dear daughter. I enclose $120 of which to give to the sawyers $50- and $50 to mount with - and the balance you can use to supply such wants as any from time to time arise. Don't permit an account for .... or any thing he said and I shall be satisfied - the articles you wish for are sent - so that now your wants are supplied and I hope you will be in better health - a trip to Williamsburgh or even here might be of service to you - I do not fear so much the noise of the hammers or the scent of the paint where that work is begun and there is no reason why the painter should not soon be on the spot - The outside of the whole house has to be painted and he might turn in upon the old part, and your chamber - I differ with you as to the time of pointing - any time by the middle of July is better than later - as to lodging the workmen and have told . . . that by enclosing the new wing and laying the floor a bed for them might be put in there as the weather will be warmer or your wing might answer still better - If at any time you choose to come over here let me know. Letty will reign in for a short time and then may have to give place to another -I have received a proposition to address, a lady worth 300,000 in cash besides houses . . . but if I get married at all it will to J.G, or no one - she is the greatest thing now living and it is better to give you a young step-mother than an old one. My dear daughter I know will be satisfied with any course I may take, as in advancing my own happiness I shall in no degree be unmindful of her - with love to all. Your father, J. Tyler.</B></I>" A postscript is added "<I>politics are wearing a turbulent aspect - Tell Mr. Castle and the Sawyers that as soon as the ... is sold they can have more money.</B></I>" Tyler's postscript is a likely reference to his last act in office regarding the bill annexing Texas from Mexico and extending the territory of slave-holding states and unbalancing the Missouri Compromise. The consequence of this act triggered the war with Mexico. Two months after the letter was written, Tyler married "J.G.", Julia Gardiner, whom Tyler met in 1842 when Julia and her family visited Washington. Tyler kept his marriage to Gardiner a secret until the ceremony was performed. He had only asked his son John Tyler Jr. to be present at the nuptials. The rest of the children were understandably upset and hurt. It was difficult for Mary to adjust to her new stepmother who was only five years older than she was. Letitia, Tyler's daughter by his first wife, never made peace with Gardiner. A delightful letter from this accidental president.