Uncommon ALS as president, one page both sides, 5 x 7.5, December 3, 1856. Pierce writes to Secretary of State William L. Marcy. In full: “I inclose herewith notes from Mr. Appleton and also from the Messrs. Bond commendatory of the bearer Mr. Sidney Coolidge—and speaking in high terms of his astronomical knowledge and general qualifications. I have referred him to you, merely stating that no solicitation has yet been made of a person to fill the office of which he speaks.” Philip Sidney Coolidge (1830–1865), a great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson, was a volunteer assistant at the Harvard College Observatory, where he worked alongside the pioneering American astronomer George Philips Bond (1825–1865). Coolidge recorded a number of important observations of Saturn’s rings, including a feature now identified as the Encke Division. Coolidge enrolled in the Army at the outbreak of the Civil War and was killed at the Battle of Chickamauga on September 19, 1863. Faint mailing fold lightly touching signature, and tiny edge tear, otherwise fine, bright condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
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