Scarce and impressive manuscript DS as president, one page, 9.5 x 14.75, September 18, 1799. A pardon for Andrew Anderson, “a Soldier of the Garrison at [Fort Sargent, Mississippi] ... sentenced to be hanged by the neck to death, for a breach of the first Article of the sixth section of the Rules and Articles of War.” The provision under which Andrews was court-martialed and sentenced was evidently Article VI of the Rules and Articles, which states that “Any officer, non-commissioned officer, or soldier, who being present at any mutiny or sedition, does not use his utmost endeavours to suppress the same, or coming to the knowledge of any mutiny, or intended mutiny, does not, without delay, give information thereof to the commanding officer, shall be punished by order of a general court-martial, according to the nature of his offence.” Countersigned by James W. Henry as Secretary of War. The embossed paper seal remains intact at lower left. A few partial separations along the intersecting folds (well away from signature and archivally reinforced from the reverse), and a few wrinkles and creases (one faint fold touching signature), otherwise fine, bright, visually appealing condition. The superb, virtually flawless signature, uncommon format, and early Southern association, easily make this one of the finest Adams presidential documents you’ll likely encounter for a long while! LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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