John Quincy Adams Autograph Letter Signed: "I can never again take an engagement to speak in public"

ALS signed “J. Q. Adams,” one page, 8 x 10, October 17, 1841. Handwritten letter to Isaac Smith, in full: "I would with great pleasure comply with the invitation to deliver the introductory Lecture before the New York Lyceum, but that I am, since I had the pleasure of seeing you here, disabled for speaking, by a severe hoarse catarrhal cough, and sore throat, from which by long and frequent experience I cannot expect to be relieved for several weeks. I had promised before it came onto Lecture here at Quincy last Wednesday, and when the day came, rather than fail to my promise, I did lecture, to a considerable aggravation of my complaint I can never again take an engagement to speak in public, upon any future day." In fine condition.