$3,998
Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Autograph Letter Signed, Paris, 5 February 1815. Two inscribed pages on a wove paper bifolium with holograph self-envelope on the verso of the conjugate leaf, with wax seal intact, postmarks, and later filing notes. To Levett Harris (c. 1784-1839?), then American consul to Russia, passing along basic logistical information (travels of Mrs. Adams, requests to post letters, sailing schedules of boats), news from home (National Bank established through both Houses; Convention sitting at Hartford "with closed doors"; the death of Vice President Gerry, and naming of Gaillard president pro-tem of the Senate until the next presidential election), and international news (arrangements at the Congress Vienna are completed, Emperor Alexander on his way home to Saint Petersburg, "May the world long enjoy the blessing of a general peace"). The verso, a full-paged postscript, is concerned with an international dispute about the exclusivity of steamship inventor Robert Fulton's (1765-1815) patents in and contracts with the English and Russians for steamboat building and ferry services. Sadly, Fulton died nineteen days after Adams completed this letter. Old folds, 9 3/4 x 7 3/4 in.
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2013-06-01
