Lot 94

Franklin Pierce Bold Signed ALS! "Mrs Pierce’s health still quite feeble... has rather more strength"

Previous image preload Next image preload

Franklin Pierce Bold Signed ALS! "Mrs Pierce’s health still quite feeble... has rather more strength"

Estimate: $800 - $900

Current Bid: $240

(1 Bid)

June 17, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
Wilton, CT, US

Description:

Franklin Pierce
n.p., n.d.
Franklin Pierce Bold Signed ALS! "Mrs Pierce's health still quite feeble... has rather more strength"
ALS

ALS on a single folded sheet, signed "Franklin Pierce" and dated "Saturday Mar 7" (year not specified). The letter is addressed to Charles O'Conor and is written in a flowing cursive hand across two pages, front and back. Pierce writes from Washington and references travel plans and, most notably, the fragile condition of his wife. The bold Pierce signature appears prominently at the conclusion. The document shows typical age toning, light staining, and fold lines consistent with mid-19th century correspondence, but remains fully legible. The letter measures 5" x 8".

In part:

"…We are on our way to Norfolk where we expect to sail about Dec 1st for Madeira. Mrs Pierce's health still quite feeble, but I think has rather more strength than when we left Washington. Will you present my kindest regards to Mrs O'Conor and believe me ever truly

Yr friend
Franklin Pierce
Saturday Mar 7

Hon. Chas O'Conor."

Franklin Pierce (1804-1869), the 14th President of the United States (1853-1857), endured profound personal tragedy throughout his life, much of it centered on the frail health and emotional suffering of his wife, Jane Means Appleton Pierce. Jane Pierce was chronically ill for much of her adult life, suffering from tuberculosis-like symptoms, severe depression, and general physical weakness. This letter captures a deeply human moment in Pierce's life, as he references traveling to Norfolk and planning a voyage to Madeira, a destination historically sought for its mild climate and believed health benefits, particularly for those suffering from respiratory illnesses. Such journeys were common among 19th-century elites seeking relief from chronic disease.

The emotional weight of Pierce's concern is heightened by the tragic events that soon followed. In January 1853, just weeks before his inauguration, the Pierces' only surviving son, Benjamin ("Bennie"), was killed in a horrific train accident. Jane Pierce was devastated, and her already fragile health deteriorated further. She withdrew almost entirely from public life during Pierce's presidency and never fully recovered, ultimately passing away in 1863.

The letter is addressed to Charles O'Conor (1804-1884), a prominent New York attorney widely regarded as one of the leading constitutional lawyers of the 19th century. O'Conor gained national prominence for his legal acumen and later entered politics as the presidential nominee of the Straight-Out Democratic Party in 1872, running in opposition to Ulysses S. Grant. Although his candidacy was largely symbolic and he did not actively campaign, it reflected his stature among conservative Democrats during the Reconstruction era. His inclusion here underscores Pierce's connection to influential legal and political figures of his time, while the letter itself reflects the ongoing struggle with Jane Pierce's declining condition - an intimate glimpse into the private burdens carried by a president, far removed from the political stage.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!

  • Dimensions: 5" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Unless otherwise indicated, we do our own in-house world-wide shipping!

Applicable shipping and handling charges will be added to the invoice. We offer several shipping options, and remain one of the few auction houses that proudly provides professional in-house shipping as an option to our clients. All items will ship with a signature required option, and full insurance. Most items are sent via Federal Express, with P. O. Box addresses being sent through USPS. We insure through Berkley Asset Protection with rates of $.70 per $100 of value, among the lowest insurance rates in the industry. Our shipping department cameras document every package, both outgoing and incoming, for maximum security. In addition, we compare our shipping and handling rates against those of other auction houses, to ensure that our charges are among the lowest in the trade.

Upon winning your item(s), you will receive an invoice with our in-house shipping and handling fees included. ***We will ship to the address as it appears on your invoice. If any changes to the shipping address need to be made, you must inform us immediately.***

International shipments: In order to comply with our insurance provider, all international shipments will be sent via Fed Ex and customs paperwork will show a value of $1.00. International buyers should contact our office directly with any questions regarding this policy.

Third-Party Shipping Option: If a third-party shipper is preferred, the buyer is responsible for contacting them directly to make shipping arrangements. For your convenience, we have provided some recommended shippers. For your protection, we will require a signed release from you, confirming your authorization for us to release your lots to your specified third-party. At that point, our responsibility and insurance coverage for your item(s) ceases. Items picked up by third-party shippers are required to pay Connecticut sales tax. Items requiring third-party shipping due to being oversized, fragile or bulky will be denoted in the item description.

Please see our full terms and conditions for names of suggested third-party shippers.

After payment has been made in full, University Archives will ship your purchase within 10 business days following receipt of full payment for item.

Please remember that the buyer is responsible for all shipping costs from University Archives' offices in Wilton, CT to the buyer's door. Please see full Terms and Conditions of Sale.

University Archives

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000