Description:

John Quincy Adams
Washington, DC, January 22, 1838
J.Q. Adams ALS on Commencement Address Invite at University of Vermont
ALS

Autograph Letter Signed by John Quincy Adams, dated January 22, 1838, entirely handwritten in dark brown ink on a single sheet of laid paper. Addressed to Mr. Alexander Mann, University of Vermont, Burlington, this letter contains Adams's respectful declination of an invitation to deliver a commencement address. The letter concludes with Adams's elegant signature as "J. Q. Adams." Expected mailing folds, gentle toning, and edge wear, but boldly signed. The letter measures 7.5" x 10".

In full:

"Sir,

The invitation to address the Literary Societies of the University of Vermont on the day of the annual commencement in August next, would be as gratifying as the instinction of their disposition to give it is flattering to me, were it in my power to contract the engagement to comply with it. I regret that it will not be in my power, and I have been under the necessity of declining several invitations of the same nature from other sources.

For the friendly consideration of my character, and the kind expressions in relation to it, in your letters, I offer you my cordial thanks, and am with sincere respect your obed't serv't

J. Q. Adams."

Written in 1838, this letter reflects John Quincy Adams's enduring influence well after his presidency (1825–1829), and during his remarkable service as a U.S. Congressman from Massachusetts (1831–1848). In this period, Adams had become one of the nation's leading voices against slavery and a respected elder statesman. The recipient, Alexander Mann, was at the time a student affiliated with the University of Vermont's literary societies, but would go on to play a pivotal role in the history of American journalism.

Along with his brother, Reverend Donald C. Mann, Alexander co-founded the Rochester Daily American, where he served as editor and proprietor. Operating from the American Building in Rochester, New York, Mann was a key figure in Lee, Mann & Company, the firm that also published the Rochester Tri-Weekly American and the Rochester Weekly American. These publications later merged into what became the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle, a major regional newspaper. This early letter from Adams thus serves as an unexpected connection between a former U.S. President and a future influencer in 19th-century American print media.

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: 7.5" x 10"
  • Medium: ALS

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