LS, one page, 8 x 7, February 14, 1825. Letter to Dutee J. Pearce, newly appointed US Attorney. In full: “The President by and with the advise and consent of the Senate, having appointed you Attorney of the United States for the Rhode Island District, I have the honour of forwarding herewith your commission of which you will please to acknowledge the receipt.” A vertical tear between middle and last name of signature, partial separations along fragile folds, several small areas of edge chipping, light overall toning, a bit heavier at edges, and a couple trivial spots of ink erosion, otherwise very good albeit fragile condition. The document would benefit from professional restoration, as Adams’s signature remains quite bold and unaffected, and all writing is dark and readable.
There is historical evidence that in 1824, former president James Madison personally recommended to Adams that Pearce be named district attorney. Not all Rhode Island residents were pleased with this selection, however, amidst concerns that dated to the recent presidential race. As no candidate won a majority of votes in the 1824 presidential election, the US House of Representatives selected the winner from the leading candidates with Adams getting the nod. Some Democrats, who supported Andrew Jackson, screamed corruption, with the appointment of Pearce adding to the uproar. In his defense, however, Pearce had already been serving as the state’s attorney general. Not long after receiving this affirmation from Adams, Pearce became US Representative from Rhode Island, where he served until 1837. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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