Description:

F. Pierce Lengthy ALS Written During Post-Presidency Travels

An 8pp autograph letter signed by 14th U.S. President Franklin Pierce (1804-1869) as "Franklin Pierce", on bifold stationery measuring 5.5" x 8.5", Funchal, May 17, 1858. To Sidney Webster, Esq., Boston, MA. Includes transcription. Expected mailing folds, moderate show-through, minor toning, else in near fine condition.

Pierce writes from Portugal, in part, "My dear Webster / I received no letter from you by the last steamer but a long one from Judge Minot and one from Mrs. Aiken gave us pretty full accounts of matters at home. Our detention here will shorten our visit at Lisbon as I am particularly desirous to reach Vevey or some other pleasant place in Switzerland before the rush of summer travel pours in there. We shall leave sightseeing in London and Paris until our return route...You had better direct your next letter to Marseilles to the care of the American consul there...I was utterly surprised at the defeat of the Lecompton bill in the House and especially its defeat by a majority larger than that which carried Haines’ resolution. These repeated defeats are significant of much. I do not think that one is likely to gain by disregarding the united voice or nearly united voice of the party as in the case of Colo. George. I must say that there was something so pithy in the act that it could have proceeded only from a narrow mind impelled by a peevish temper and & low motives. Give my kindest regards to Colo. G. when you see him and tell him I have received no answer to the letter which I wrote to him two or three months since...When we reach the continent I expect to have matters of more interest....We see nothing so remarkable in the American papers as the accounts of the sudden and widespread awakening...When do you expect Genl. Peaslee to return to the North. Is there any prospect of a change in the superintendent of the Concord R.R.?...We are as quiet as possible but by no means restless or impatient to leave. It is a glorious place to rest and nothing could be more favorable for reading and as much study as one finds agreeable. We have I think progressed very well with our French."

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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