Lot 1937

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Description:

JOHN TYLER
(1790-1862) Tenth President of the United States following the death of Harrison, annexed Texas, and remained loyal to Virginia following its secession. Fine content A.L.S. as President, 2pp. 4to., 'Old Point 2 O'Clock at night', July 10, 1844. On his honeymoon night at Old Point Comfort, Va., he writes his eldest daughter Mary in advance of their arrival at Sherwood Forest, Tyler's newly acquired plantation where he would spend his retirement. In full: 'My Dear Daughter, We arrived here an hour ago and I have thought it best to remain until Saturday - I send Burwell up with the horses so that your carriage may meet us on that Day - The groceries have been shipped to you for a full fortnight and I hope will reach you to day - We are very comfortably fixed here or shall be in the course of the wash in our own quarters and have brung along all materially for House Keeping - Julia alone accompanies me and is very desirous to see you - Tell the carpenters from me to press forward- I am [?] to be disappointed at their progress and there is but one way for them to make up for lost time - and that is to begin with the sun and finish with the sun. Love to all Your Father J. Tyler.' Letter accompanied by an autograph address leaf adding a short postscript on the verso: 'If you want our things with me by the boat on Friday -- I send ten Dollars'. Tyler married his second wife, Julia Gardiner, on June 26, 1844. Thirty years younger than the President, the marriage was the subject of gossip in Washington society and the couple decided to hold a secret ceremony in New York. Two weeks later, they set off for a honeymoon cottage in Old Point Comfort, Virginia. Tyler was so secretive that he did not even reveal his plans to his children, who were quite shocked when they received the news, especially his daughters. The union was quite awkward for Mary, the recipient of this letter, who was five years older than her new stepmother. A few contemporary ink smudges, a tiny bit or ink erosion to one letter in signature and ink show-through do little to impact this great content letter in otherwise fine condition.

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June 16, 2023 10:00 AM EDT
Chesapeake City, MD, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

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