Description:

Franklin Pierce
Washington, DC, October 24, 1855
Franklin Pierce ALS as President to his Private White House Secretary
ALS

Franklin Pierce (1804-1869). Autograph Letter Signed, "Frank Pierce," as president, 2pp, on bifold stationery measuring 7.875" x 10", Washington, October 24, 1855. Inner right page and verso blank. Expected transmittal folds with slight separation at edges. Age toning. Scattered ink splatter. Light ink show through. Narrow band of discoloration running horizontally along lower edge recto. Minor loss to outer corners. Else, in near fine condition and boldly signed.

Pierce writes to his personal White House secretary and close confidant, Sidney Webster, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In full:

"My dear Sir -

Yours of the 22nd inst. from Hartford has just been received - I concur entirely in the conclusion suggested by you. Things are rapidly trending to a point when it will be ingenuous and proper to speak distinctly. We are all well. Judge Minot returned last evening but I have not seen him. He told Mrs. Pierce that you would probably be here the last of the week - as I have before said there is nothing here which should require you to hasten home. Give my kindest regards to Mr. Butler & Miss Sarah & the younger for whom I may well entertain kind regards in anticipation of a personal acquaintance which I hope sometime to enjoy.

Your friend,
Frank Pierce."

Sidney Webster (1828-1910) served as the private secretary to President Franklin Pierce throughout his entire administration, from 1853 to 1857. A New Hampshire native, Yale graduate (1848), and Harvard Law School graduate (1850), Webster was only 24-years-old when he took the role. He managed Pierce's correspondence and affairs during a tumultuous time leading up to the Civil War. Webster was a trusted advisor and maintained a close friendship with Pierce after the presidency, with correspondence dating up to 1869.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.875" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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