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Lot #17
John Quincy Adams

“I lament, that I have not the power to be in two places at once, because it seems to be expected that I should”

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Description

“I lament, that I have not the power to be in two places at once, because it seems to be expected that I should”

Early ALS signed “John Q. Adams,” one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.25, December 16, 1795. Letter to his brother, Thomas Boylston Adams. In part: “Let me specially recommend to you to keep the Department of State informed of every thing that may take place where you are. Information there is of the utmost importance, and you will not fail to give accounts equally accurate to the Treasury Department, as to what belongs to that. I repeat these requests, not because I think you will be deficient in industry, but because I feel more forcibly than ever the necessity that good intelligence should be transmitted. I enclose you a letter for the bankers at Amsterdam: I lament, that I have not the power to be in two places at once, because it seems to be expected that I should. The longer I stay here the more I long to return. I find that the maxim which makes anticipation worse than reality, may sometimes be inverted. Your waistcoat goes with this, and I hope will suit you. Not a word of what I write you, concerning myself, to any soul living. My time is so short that I am unable to say any thing to you respecting our American Affairs.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature). Although he is writing from London in this letter, at the time Adams was serving as minister to the Netherlands, a position to which he was appointed by George Washington; his brother accompanied him during most of his time in Europe, working as his secretary. A neatly penned and quite early letter from the future president. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

Auction Info

  • Auction Title: Rare Manuscript, Document & Autograph
  • Dates: #436 - Ended September 10, 2014





This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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