Franklin Pierce Rare ALS as President to Jeff. Davis Following Death of His Son

Franklin Pierce (1804-1869). Autograph Letter Signed, "Fr. Pierce", 2pp, on bifold black-bordered mourning stationery, 4.5" x 7", Washington, "Sabbath Eve", ca. 1853. Expected mailing folds and creases. Light toning and scattered foxing. In near fine condition.

Following the death of Pierce's son Benjamin, who had been killed in a train accident on January 6, 1853, he writes to his Secretary of War, Jefferson Davis, in full: 

"My Dear General / The weather has been more like Oct or Nov'r than August since Thursday. It is really so cool that one shivers at the thought of the mountains or the seaside. I hope you will continue to enjoy the trip and secure a stock of health at the same time. Dismiss all thoughts of the department and its cases. I called at your house last evening Mrs. D. & Sam both seemed bright but Mrs. D. said the great and sudden change in the weather has affected her Mother disagreeably. I inclose a letter in which she will speak for herself. Present my kind regards to Prof. Bache."

Franklin Pierce served as the 14th President of the United States from 1853 to 1857. Pierce is often overlooked in the pantheon of American presidents, but his presidency had a huge impact on the nation. In many ways, he was the embodiment of the spirit of compromise and concession that shaped the politics of the era.

Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) was appointed Secretary of War by President Franklin Pierce in 1853. As Secretary of War, Davis was responsible for helping to expand the United States westward. He was instrumental in negotiating the Gadsden Purchase, which secured land from Mexico to build the transcontinental railroad. He also negotiated several treaties with Native American tribes in order to acquire land for the United States.

Davis was an advocate for the advancement of slavery in the United States, and he used his position as Secretary of War to support the expansion of slavery in the Western territories. He was also an outspoken critic of President Abraham Lincoln and the Union's decision to go to war with the Confederate States of America.

Although his views on slavery and states’ rights were controversial, Davis was an influential leader in the early days of the United States. He helped to shape the nation’s growth and development, as well as its policies on Native American relations and the expansion of slavery. His legacy as Secretary of War is still being felt today.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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