Historically significant unsigned letter in Adams’ hand [possibly his retained copy], 1 page both sides, 8.25 x 10.25, July 20, 1819. Adams, as Secretary of State, writes to President Monroe. In part: “I have had the honour of receiving your Letter … from Lexington Kentucky…. I enclose with [my letter] despatches lately received from Mr. Erving & Mr. Everett; and a Letter from the District Attorney in the State of Mississippi which seems to require immediate attention…. There are accounts from [Cadiz] as late as 4 June, when the [Adams-Onis Transcontinental] Treaty was certainly not ratified; and a prevailing opinion had arisen that it would not be—the Hornet was still in waiting there. It is not to be doubted that the question about the Florida grants had raised the pretext or the reality of an obstacle; and there is reason to believe that other powerful causes were in operation to produce others—among the rest, probably this new expedition against the Province of Texas, of which information was some months since transmitted to the Spanish government, from New Orleans, with an earnest remonstrance against the Treaty, which was alledged [sic] as the exciting cause of the expedition; as it now avowedly is in the Natchez newspapers. The Russian minister Mr. Poletica, is anxious to have the honour of presenting his Letters of Credence, and Mr. Antrobus the Charge d’Affaires from Great Britain has given notice that he has a Letter of compliment from the Prince Regent…. Mr. G. W. Campbell at St. Petersburg has had the dreadful calamity of losing, in the course of one week, the three children whom he took with him from this Country—The infant born at St. Petersburg was at the end of April living, but in bad health…. The Secretary of War is here….” The Adams-Onis Transcontinental Treaty, negotiated by Adams himself and the Spanish envoy, Don Luis de Onis (1769–1830), settled long-percolating land disputes between the United States and Spain. The treaty, concluded in February 1819 but not ratified until 1822, officially gave possession of Florida to the United States (in exchange for parts of Texas and five million dollars) and solidified a new western boundary that extended all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Accompanied by a contemporaneous document in another hand that enumerates several “Letters sent to the President at Milton Va. with the preceding letter of 20 July 1819” [i.e., the letter described above]. In very good condition, with folds (partial separations and small losses at intersections, affecting a few words and discreetly and expertly repaired), the writing remaining clear and dark and the whole visually clean and crisp. COA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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