Authentic Signatures.
Timeless Legacies.
Featured
John Quincy Adams –Two Weeks Before His Fatal Stroke
John Quincy Adams – poem, February 7, 1848, album page, also signed by Henry Clay. Responding to an admirer or early collector, Adams composed and signed this short but poignant four-stanza poem. He signed with his full name. The dedication, originally part of an album, reflects both the frailty and resolve of the aging statesman. The page bears an additional signature at the top: that of Henry Clay, Adams’s former Secretary of State. Though out of office at the time, Clay was evidently visiting Washington when he added his name.
Exactly two weeks after responding to this request, Adams suffered a stroke on the floor of the House of Representatives. He was carried to a nearby chamber where four fellow Congressmen—each a physician—attempted to assist him. Conscious and aware of the gravity of his condition, Adams reportedly said, “This is the end of earth,” followed by either “but I am composed” or “I am content.” He slipped into a coma and died two days later.
The handwriting reveals the effects of age and palsy Throughout his public life, Adams signed his name in three distinct forms: the full “John Quincy Adams,” as seen here, and the abbreviated “J. Q. Adams” or “John Q. Adams.” This example, penned with visible effort, stands as a moving testament to his final days.
Adams wrote very little in his final two weeks.There are a couple of letters and at least one other known poetic dedication from the period, making this one of the last autographs. That alone makes this a significant item for presidential collectors, enhanced with the signature of his Secretary of State Henry Clay.
H. Clay of Ashland
Washington Feb 1848
John Quincy Adams—Massachusetts
Fair Lady! When at thy request
These fingers trace my name.
Could but the impulse of my breast
Thy passport prove to fame
Thy lot throughout this world of strife
Should blossom like the rose
One cloudless day should gild thy life
John Philip Sousa – visually arresting cabinet-sized photograph of a young, bemedalled Sousa in his military band uniform. Sousa boldly signed it vertically along the side in a thick black ink creating a visually appealing contrast against the sepia background. Professionally framed with outstanding taste, the piece is ready for immediate display and would stand out in any setting, and any collection.
Condition: Both the photo and frame are in excellent condition. The signed image, at sight, is approximately 4 x 5.5, the frame measures 10 x 11.75”.
Commonly known as the March King, Sousa composed more than 100 military marches, some of America’s most memorable songs including The Stars and Stripes Forever, and the Marine Corps ‘ march Semper Fidelis and Washington Post. He gained fame as the Director of the US Marine Band from 1880-1892 and then toured the world with his own Sousa Band.
[4369]
Eisenhower’s aide is taken prisoner
In a carefully worded handwritten letter, Eisenhower informed the parents of his aide-de-camp that their son is missing and thought to be a POW. War-time ALS’s by Ike to non-family members are almost never heard of, much less seen. To see the letter and read the story of his aide’s capture — and escape — see the most recent issue of Manuscripts. The article can be read in a link under Articles in the Resource tab.