Description:

(1806 – 1863) Wife of President Franklin Pierce and First Lady of the United States from 1853 to 1857. Disliking politics, she was unhappy in the role, often unable to perform her duties, as she suffered from poor health as well as grief for the death in childhood of all three of their sons. Melancholy content A.L.S. as First Lady on mourning stationery, 2pp. 8vo., Washington, December, 1853 - 11 months after the death of her 12 year-old son Benny in a train accident before her husband's swearing-in. Pierce write to 'My beloved sister', in part: '...While my own thoughts are distracted...my heart is desolate within me [and] I think much of you dear sister - with your anxieties and cares. God grants us both strength for these burdens. I am ready to sink sometimes...Dear Abby [her aunt, Abby Kent-Means] arrived on Friday...Mr. Pierce was entirely surprised and much gratified...But what a stamp of vanity seems to be upon every thing! And what a striking case is Mr. Atherton's!...I am in good hands my dear sister, not very [?] and constantly interrupted...' Folds, else very good.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, COD (cash on delivery), Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipments are sent via FedEx and DHL (for most overseas shipments) or FedEx Ground at the auctioneer's option. Due to complications from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we will ship with USPS Priority Mail only if the buyer submits their request to us in writing and accepts responsibility for delayed shipments. Signature is always required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling and shipping charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyers should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. International shipments are invoiced by DIMENSIONAL weight, not the item weight. Please contact us for an estimate before bidding NOTE: Large, heavy or bulky items may not be shipped by the auctioneer - arrangements for shipping of these items via a third-party shipper may be arranged through the auction house. Customers who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipments after receipt of payment due to the high volume of packages being shipped.

August 26, 2021 10:00 AM EDT
Elkton, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 25% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 + $10,000