ALS, one page both sides, 8 x 10, February 18, 1835. Polk attempts to arrange a coach for a traveling party. In part: “I desire to be informed whether you can furnish an extra coach from Baltimore—or Fredrickstown to Wheeling—to have on the 5th or 6th of March. Mssrs Grandy & Johnson…Clay of Alabama and myself—have made a party of eight persons—who wish to take a coach, to travel in the daylight—to go through in…four to five days—or less if the route can be made in less time, without traveling in the night. If you can furnish the coach, will you do me the favor to inform me by return mail.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, repaired tears near signature and along fold edges, old tape stains to edges and corners, and a couple partial separations along folds.
Polk was serving as Speaker of the House when he sent this message as he and his peers prepared for the 280 mile trek from Baltimore to Wheeling—a journey Polk estimates here to take four or five days! During his tenure in the US House of Representatives, he strongly supported the policies of both Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren, both fellow Democrats, despite his claim of being bipartisan. A unique reminder of a simpler era, when politicians and not personal assistants made their own travel plans. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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