ALS signed “J. Q. Adams” with “Quincy” [Massachusetts] given as his location, one page, 7.75 x 10, May 25, 1841. Letter to Phinehas Barnes, regretfully declining a speaking invitation. In full: “I have received your favour of the 17th inst. and has previously received that, communicating to me the honour done me by the invitation to deliver the annual oration before the Phi Beta Kappa Society at Brunswick in September next. A probability that it might be in my power to visit the College at Brunswick at the designated time, delayed my answer to your former letter in the hope that I might alternately be enabled to comply with the invitation. The approaching special session of Congress has so far impaired that probability and leaves me no alternative but to express my regret at the necessity of renouncing the hope I had entertained of performing the pleasing task assigned to me by the invitation.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, moderate scatted toning and slight foxing, and professionally silked. Adams was returning to Congress to oppose John Tyler’s ascension to the presidency upon the death of President Harrison—he challenged President Tyler’s assumed title, believing that he should remain ‘Vice President,’ ‘Acting President,’ or even ‘Vice President now exercising the office of President.’ Having once been president himself, Adams would have had keen insight into the Constitutional crisis taking place. A bold and clear letter from one of the most vocal leaders of the dispute. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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