Letter written in Dolley Madison’s hand and signed in the text (by her) “J. Madison,” one page, 7.75 x 9.5, August 11, 1833. Dolley writes on behalf of her husband to pioneering chemistry teacher John Griscom, sending thanks for the execution of a will and a copy of his famous work Year in Europe. In full, “J. Madison, with his respects to J. Griscom thanks him for the copy of the well executed and instructive address to the Mechanics of Manchester by J. J. Gurney, J. M. takes this occasion to repeat his thanks for the ‘Year In Europe.’ The sequel of what he had not read, at the date of his last, in no respect disappointed the favorable anticipations then expressed.” One of the first teachers of chemistry in America, Griscom (1774–1852) served as the first chair of chemistry and natural history at Queen’s (now Rutgers) College, beginning in 1812. The integral leaf bears an address panel addressed in Dolley’s hand to Griscom, franked by her husband across, “Free, James Madison.” Double matted and framed (so that both sides are visible) with a portrait and biographical plaque (bearing a slightly different and incorrect transcription of the letter) to an overall size of 34.5 x 19.5. Intersecting folds, light pencil erasure traces to text side, light toning and soiling, and a few small edge repairs to integral leaf, otherwise fine condition. Dolley’s text is precise and crisply penned, while her husband’s franking signature is quite bold. A scarce combination of the famed First Couple! Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
