Description:

John Quincy Adams
Washington, DC, July 2, 1825
J.Q. Adams ALS to Brother Thomas: "[We are] as well as people roasting at a slow… fire can be"
ALS

An autographed letter from then-President John Quincy Adams to his brother, Thomas Boylston Adams, discussing the buying and selling of land in Vermont. 1p, measuring 8" x 10", Washington, D.C., July 2, 1825. Signed at conclusion as "J. Q. Adams", he comments on the political climate in Washington and references buying out the heirs of Norton Quincy (1716-1801), an uncle of Abigail Adams. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Adams, produced ca. 1861. Exhibits degrees of uneven toning throughout, with intersecting letter folds and minor splitting at center. Evidence of prior mounting on verso, slightly covering secretarial text in the upper left. Otherwise, very good.

Reading in full:

"In compliance with your Letters of 2d and 23d I have executed a Deed of my Share of Land in Salem Vermont, which as soon as I can get it acknowledged, I will forward to Mr. Baxter at Brownington.
I am not certain whether you intended to advise that I should buy out the rights of the heirs of Norton Quincy to the Wood lot which you mention. If you do, I shall readily consent to the purchase, but the plan which I have of it calls it Esqr. Quincy's upper cedar-swamp in Randolph, and of it only 1. Acres 3. Roads and 36 Rods. It is worth only 25 dollars per acre, I do not understand how it should take 100 dollars to buy out Mr. Norton.
We are all, including your daughter, as well as people roasting at a slow (not very slow) fire can be. With my duty to my father and kind affection to all the family, I am yours."

Both President Adams and his brother suffered debts relating to property holdings, and thus these transactions may have been for the benefit of either or both. Dated relatively early in his term, Adams' reference to "roasting at a slow fire" is likely a metaphor to the political and social climate in Washington. He had won the 1824 election by a narrow margin, and faced strong opposition during his tenure from a Congress controlled by his enemies.

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: 8" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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