[Literature] Irving, Washington, Autograph Letter

[Literature] Irving, Washington
Autograph Letter, signed
Madrid, August 20, 1843. 12mo. 4pp. Written by Irving while serving as U.S. Minister to Spain (1842-46) to an unnamed recipient, regarding the return of his secretary, Alexander Hamilton Jr. (grandson of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton). Irving expresses concern about Hamilton's health and urges caution about an early return to Madrid: "I again wrote to him some time afterward, mainly to reiterate my caution about his setting out on his return too soon: and I now beg you to urge the same council upon him in my name". Irving goes on to write about his improving health: "My own health is improved; I have got through the heat of summer without inconvenience..." Creasing from original folds, signature clear and strong. Irving served as U.S. Minister to Spain from 1842-46, a period of unrest in Spain, as warring factions vied for control of the government through influence on the 12-year Queen Isabella II. Irving was nominated to the post by President John Tyler after being endorsed by Secretary of State Daniel Webster. Irving appointed Alexander Hamilton's grandson Alexander Hamilton Jr. (1816-1889) as his secretary (later first President of the New York Knickbocker Club), and Carson Brevoort as his assitant. While serving as Minister he helped negotiate trade agreements with Cuba, observed debates in Spain concerning the slave trade, and assisted with negotiations over the Oregon border dispute with Britain during the presidency of James K. Polk.