J. Adams Signed 4 Language Ship's Papers With Curious Connection To Son Charles, On Day Last Letter Was Received From Him Prior To His Untimely Death!
John Adams
New York, NY, February 19, 1799
J. Adams Signed 4 Language Ship's Papers With Curious Connection To Son Charles, On Day Last Letter Was Received From Him Prior To His Untimely Death!
PPDS
A four language ship's papers signed by sitting 2nd U.S. President John Adams (1735-1826), as "John Adams" at center. The signature measures approximately 3" x 1.125" alone. February 19, 1799. New York, New York. Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering (1745-1829), as "Timothy Pickering" just below Adams's signature; and also by Joshua Sands (1757-1835), Collector of Customs at New York, just below that. At the bottom edge, John Adams has inscribed his son's name as "Charles Adams," thus gaining the document a second last name signature as "Adams." Partially printed and partially manuscript on laid paper, in French, Spanish, English, and Dutch. With two large white paper seals intact at the center. Docketed verso. Expected wear including toning. Flattened transmittal folds and wrinkles, with scattered discreet evidence of expert restoration along folds and edges. Some ghost discoloration from the smaller of the two seals. Else very good. 19" x 16.375".
The naval passport granted permission to "Peter Murphy of New York master or commander of the Snow called The Ann & Mary of the burthen of 126 tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New York bound for Newry and laden with Flaxceed [flaxseed] & Staves…" A "snow" referred to a small sailing vessel with a certain type of rigging that differentiated it from other ships. The destination of "The Ann & Mary" may have been Newry, a port city in present day Northern Ireland.
The fact that John Adams wrote out the name of his younger son Charles Adams (1770-1800) at the bottom of this document is rather mysterious. We suspect that Charles may have been at the forefront of the president's mind, as he had received a letter from Charles the very same day, and it had discussed naval appointments!
In the letter dated February 19, 1799, Charles wrote his father with recommendations for various ship assignments.
In part:
"I undertake the task with much pleasure conscious that I have no other interest but the good and welfare of my Country at heart. Your hopes with respect to Daubeny are or may be fulfilled I know him to be well attached to Government but I also know he is an unskillful Sailor. I know he is a Fop and as such regarded by all men of Maritime knowledge. He has suffered much by giving out that he was first Lieutenant of Talbots Ship. Captain Talbot though an Excellent brave man is not a regular bred Sailor, and it is therefore necessary his second should be a perfect Seaman… I will give you my honor that whenever an appointment from New York is contemplated to give you an honest and true account of the merits of the Candidates. With real affection I am Your son, Chas Adams. "
This was the last surviving letter exchanged between John Adams and Charles, who had a strained relationship. Charles frequently got into trouble at school, and later became an alcoholic who engaged in extramarital affairs and questionable financial dealings. Several months later, in the fall of 1799, Adams disowned Charles, and the pair never spoke again. A year later, the destitute Charles died of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 30.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
John Adams
New York, NY, February 19, 1799
J. Adams Signed 4 Language Ship's Papers With Curious Connection To Son Charles, On Day Last Letter Was Received From Him Prior To His Untimely Death!
PPDS
A four language ship's papers signed by sitting 2nd U.S. President John Adams (1735-1826), as "John Adams" at center. The signature measures approximately 3" x 1.125" alone. February 19, 1799. New York, New York. Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering (1745-1829), as "Timothy Pickering" just below Adams's signature; and also by Joshua Sands (1757-1835), Collector of Customs at New York, just below that. At the bottom edge, John Adams has inscribed his son's name as "Charles Adams," thus gaining the document a second last name signature as "Adams." Partially printed and partially manuscript on laid paper, in French, Spanish, English, and Dutch. With two large white paper seals intact at the center. Docketed verso. Expected wear including toning. Flattened transmittal folds and wrinkles, with scattered discreet evidence of expert restoration along folds and edges. Some ghost discoloration from the smaller of the two seals. Else very good. 19" x 16.375".
The naval passport granted permission to "Peter Murphy of New York master or commander of the Snow called The Ann & Mary of the burthen of 126 tons or thereabouts, lying at present in the port of New York bound for Newry and laden with Flaxceed [flaxseed] & Staves…" A "snow" referred to a small sailing vessel with a certain type of rigging that differentiated it from other ships. The destination of "The Ann & Mary" may have been Newry, a port city in present day Northern Ireland.
The fact that John Adams wrote out the name of his younger son Charles Adams (1770-1800) at the bottom of this document is rather mysterious. We suspect that Charles may have been at the forefront of the president's mind, as he had received a letter from Charles the very same day, and it had discussed naval appointments!
In the letter dated February 19, 1799, Charles wrote his father with recommendations for various ship assignments.
In part:
"I undertake the task with much pleasure conscious that I have no other interest but the good and welfare of my Country at heart. Your hopes with respect to Daubeny are or may be fulfilled I know him to be well attached to Government but I also know he is an unskillful Sailor. I know he is a Fop and as such regarded by all men of Maritime knowledge. He has suffered much by giving out that he was first Lieutenant of Talbots Ship. Captain Talbot though an Excellent brave man is not a regular bred Sailor, and it is therefore necessary his second should be a perfect Seaman… I will give you my honor that whenever an appointment from New York is contemplated to give you an honest and true account of the merits of the Candidates. With real affection I am Your son, Chas Adams. "
This was the last surviving letter exchanged between John Adams and Charles, who had a strained relationship. Charles frequently got into trouble at school, and later became an alcoholic who engaged in extramarital affairs and questionable financial dealings. Several months later, in the fall of 1799, Adams disowned Charles, and the pair never spoke again. A year later, the destitute Charles died of cirrhosis of the liver at the age of 30.
This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.
WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
Estimate
Reserve
Time, Location
Auction House
