Lot 244
Adams, John (1735-1826) 1735-1826, 2d president of the U.S. (1797-1801) As a moderate but forceful leader of the group who opposed British measures leading to the American Revolution, he served in both Continental Congresses and argued eloquently for the Declaration of Independence, which he signed. He became Pres. Washington's vice president (1789-97) and in 1797 succeeded him as president. Adams's administration revealed his honest and stubborn integrity. Although allied with Alexander Hamilton and the conservative, property-respecting Federalists, he was not dominated by them in their struggle with the Jeffersonians. By conciliation he prevented war with France. He did not wholly support the Alien and Sedition Acts. After 1801 he lived in retirement in Quincy. His wife, Abigail (Smith) Adams, 1744-1818, born Weymouth, Mass., was the chief figure in the social life of her husband's administration. Lively and intelligent, she was one of the most distinguished and influential of American first ladies.
Letter Signed ("John Adams"). One page, quarto, Quincy, August 24, 1817. To Commodore William Bainbridge. Also signed by Thomas Boylston Adams (John Adams' son) and four Quincy neighbors. Transmittal folds, minor foxing, strengthening tape to verso right edge. Very good condition.
Adams and his neighbors write to the Commodore on behalf Rufus Davis, "…a labouring man, and one of our neighbors. He get his living chiefly by the aid of his boat. He is poor. And his boat is the principal part of his property…" Davis' small boat had been rammed by one of the Independence's (Bainbridge's ship) boats which "staved her to pieces." Davis asked his noteworthy neighbors to write to the Commodore for an investigation and compensation. ".We have complied, under the assurance from our knowledge of your character, that you will make an inquiry into the circumstances of the case and cause such justice to be done him as in your opinion they demand…" Retired to Quincy, Adams remained active in many aspects of local and national life, and it would be logical for a neighbor to turn to the grand old man of the neighborhood for help.
Estimated Value $6,000 - 7,000.
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