Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Autograph Letter Signed, Concord, New Hampshire, 15 June 1844.

Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) Autograph Letter Signed, Concord, New Hampshire, 15 June 1844. Wove bifolium inscribed over two pages with conjugate blank but for address panel, to Richard Frothingham Jr. (1812-1880), declining an invitation to appear at a meeting in Charlestown, with an extended section regarding Pierce's positive feelings about James K. Polk, excerpt below, full transcript available upon request, 10 x 8 in.

"I have never had the pleasure of a personal acquaintance with Mr. Dallas, but of his elevated character and distinguished attainments no enlightened citizen can be ignorant. With James K. Polk I enjoyed an acquaintance long and intimate, and I can truly say, that among all the eminent men with whom I became acquainted while in the Senate and House of Representatives, there is no one to whom I could give a more cordial and hearty support than to Colo. Polk. Able, faithful, fearless, indefatigable, sound in his political principles, and a model of purity in private life, he enhances, like General Jackson, a rare combination of the great elements of statesmanship, but neither of the gentlemen need any commendation from me, and I probably should not have said this much but for my thorough knowledge of Colo. Polk and my warm regard for him both as a man and as a politician."