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Sale 2
Lot 87
Pierce, Franklin. Four ¼ inch foxing spots, one on each page, affecting one letter of one word on one page.
Letter gives the reader more than a glimpse into the manner in which Pierce ran the Presidential office. Includes a partially disassembled hinged frame on a crushed salmon velvet background with a small color portrait print and identification plaque; overall size 16½ x 24". 14th President of the United States, 1853-1857.
Superb Autograph Letter Signed as President. Quarto, four pages, recto and verso. Washington, July 21, 1853. To John H. Steele, former Governor of New Hampshire. Pierce had established a Presidential Commission to look into the condition of the National Armories across the country, selecting his old New Hampshire friend, John Steele, as one of its members. In this letter Pierce writes candidly concerning the selection process and what he hopes the Commission will investigate. In full:
"Private / My Dear Sir - You will have noticed that the Commission of which you are a member embraces some of the ablest and most distinguished men in the Country - I was anxious to secure not only high intelligence, but great weight of character, because the interests of the Government are deeply involved in the question and because the subject has been one of a good deal of local excitement. What the local political effect of the result at which you may arrive is likely to be, one way or the other, will not of course be regarded and ought not to be. The inquiry into the organization of the National Armories will involve the question of administration both in view of economy and efficiency. It will involve not only the manufacture of arms, but the introduction of all improvements made at home and abroad and such as minds devoted to the subject will suggest. By economy will be understood not the cheapness of first cost, but the just expenditure of funds so as to secure the best arms and to ensure most fully the absence of failures when the arms are placed in the hands of soldiers. The political consideration is much broader than any local effect. It will extend to the result produced and this will be as broad as our whole country and as great as the prowess and fame of American troops. I hope you will early cultivate the acquaintance of my friend Colo' Steptoe. He is an accomplished & gallant officer and one of the purest & most rightminded men I have ever known. You will encounter doubtless much ardor & perhaps some vehement importunity on the part of persons interested, but a studied reserve so far as any opinion is concerned on the part of all of the Board until the investigation shall be concluded, will save them from such annoyance. I anticipate much pleasure in seeing you on your way to Harper's Ferry. It is possible that the Sec'y of War [Jefferson Davis] may pass thro' Springfield on his way to the White Mountains. If so I shall hand him a letter of introduction to you. Let me hear from you if you find leisure to write. Yr friend, Franklin Pierce."
Estimated Value $4,000 - 6,000.
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