Lot #352

William Hunter Letter Signed on "Washington's letter book"

Description

Denying access to "Washington's letter book"—"Such correspondence, concerning the early history of the District of Columbia, as may be among the Archives, is probably comprised in a series of papers which has not been arranged or indexed"

Politician and diplomat from Rhode Island (1805–1886) who served in the State Department under Fillmore, Pierce, Johnson, Grant, Hayes, Garfield, Arthur, and Cleveland, and was acting Secretary of State on three occasions. LS signed “W. Hunter,” three pages on two adjoining sheets, 7.75 x 9.75, September 14, 1882. Letter to J. A. Wineberger, in part: "You ask permission…to examine, for historical purposes, relative to the District of Columbia, 'a manuscript book called 'Washington's letter book,' which you suppose to be in the possession of this Department. In reply, I have to state that you have been misinformed as to the character and form of the material preserved here, which you desire to consult. Such correspondence, concerning the early history of the District of Columbia, as may be among the Archives, is probably comprised in a series of papers which has not been arranged or indexed; and as the Department cannot determine how far it would be proper to make public the information contained therein, until an examination of the papers has been made, I do not feel at liberty to afford you access to them." Nicely cloth-matted and framed with a plaque to an overall size of 25.25 x 25.5, with a window in the backing for viewing the reverse. In fine condition.

Auction Info

• Auction Title: Fine Autograph and Artifacts Featuring John F. Kennedy
• Dates: April 26, 2024 - May 15, 2024

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