$23,985
Washington, George (1732-1799) Circular Letter Signed as President, Philadelphia, 1 March 1797. Laid paper bifolium inscribed on one page in a secretarial hand, inviting New York Senator John Laurance to the Presidential and Vice-Presidential swearing in ceremony of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson in the Senate Chamber, with Washington's signature beneath; conjugate self-envelope with address, repaired, rare with full-size sheet and address sheet intact, one of eight known of the thirty-two originally sent, 8 x 10 in. "It appearing to me proper that the Senate of the United States should be convened on Saturday the fourth day of March instant; you are desired to attend in the Chamber of the Senate on that day, at eleven o'Clock in the forenoon, to receive any communications which the President of the United States may then have to lay before you, touching their interests." The dry language of the invitation belies the momentous nature of the moment. After careful preparation, with the publication of his Farewell Address, and much private political negotiation, Washington finally achieves his desire to retire from the office of the President. None of this was lost on Adams, naturally, who wrote to his wife about this "trying" and "solemn" ceremony. "[Washington's] Countenance was as serene and unclouded as the day. [...] He Seemed to me to enjoy a Tryumph over me. Methought I heard him think Ay! I am fairly out and you fairly in! See which of Us will be happiest" (A Read more…
Auctioneer:
Skinner
Date:
2016-10-30
