Handwritten endorsement, as president, written at the conclusion of a letter from his Secretary of State, W. L. Marcy to Pierce, dated August 16, 1854. Marcy informs Pierce of a House resolution, “that the President of the United States be requested to report to this House a statement of the privileges and restrictions of the Commercial Intercourse of the United States with all Foreign Nations…This resolution was referred to this Department, which forthwith accepted a circular to the Ministers and Consuls of the United States abroad directing them to transmit their information necessary to enable their Department to make the statement required. Answers have been received from most of the persons to whom the Circular was accepted, but it will be impracticable for the Department to answer the Resolution without employing more Clerks than are now authorized by law. This seems to have been anticipated by Congress, for the Civil and Diplomatic Appropriation Bill of the last session contained the following clause: ‘To defray expenses incurred and to be incurred…calling for a statement of the privileges and restrictions of the Commercial Intercourse…with all Foreign Nations and a table exhibiting a comparative statement between the tariff of other nations and that of the United States, Ten Thousand dollars.’ According to law, no temporary clerk can be paid more than three dollars a day…It is obvious, however, from the multiplicity and variety of the statistical details…that a person must be employed to superintend the business…whose services cannot be commanded for the highest sum above mentioned…instead of being called a Clerk, may be entitled ‘Superintendant of Statistical Statement.” Endorsed at the conclusion, “Approved & appointment off Superintendant authorized - Aug 17, 1854, Franklin Pierce.” In fine condition, with three horizontal storage folds and some light mirroring and show-through of text of letter. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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