Adams, John Q. a final poem also with H. Clay
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 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