Franklin Pierce
Washington, D.C., May 18, 1853
Benj. S. Roberts ALS Recommending a Companion for "Mrs. Pierce in her distress of mind"
ALS

A letter written by future Union general Benjamin Stone Roberts concerning Franklin Pierce and his wife following the death of their son. 3pp of a bifolium, measuring 8" x 10", Washington, D.C., dated May 18, 1853. Signed "B.S. Roberts Lt Col USA" and addressed to John Arken Esq. Roberts provides a recommendation of a companion for Mrs. Pierce (possibly a relation of his wife) and praises President Pierce for his work as president thus far. He goes on to hope that Pierce will "break up Tavern Keeping by the President, and bring the Executive Mansion back to its old respectability?" With flattened mail folds and light toning throughout. Soiling along the upper edges. Boldly signed. Overall very good.

Highlighted passages from the letter:
"?In my estimation Mrs. Sperry is one of our most superior New England women, and this I confess is saying much. In my changes about the world, I have seen no where women comparable with our own of the Puritan blood. I had believed that Mrs. Pierce in her distress of mind would find in the resonances of Mrs. Sperry, as exalted in her piety as she is distinguished for intelligence; a companion or an acquaintance on whom she would rely for that little consolation that can soothe the spirit when the affections are crushed and the heart desolated?The letter was enclosed to Mrs. Pierce, but we understand that it has never been received. I suppose it was considered some application through the 'Women's rights' channel for the office, and is doubtless somewhere snugly filed away in the desk of someone of the Executive Departments?

I have seen the Genl but once since his Inauguration. He was looking better than when you were here, and I learn that he is daily improving in health and countenance, quite like himself again?He is so far very much applauded by his friends for his firmness, his discretion and his self respect, in all his appointments. He seems to be unawed by the clamour of cliques, or the threats of the disappointed. I really trust that he will break up Tavern Keeping by the President, and bring the Executive Mansion back to its old respectability and honored fame. There has been for years no privacy there, nor in the neighborhood - it has been the thoroughfare for the idle and vicious, and the grounds lounging places for rowdies and rowdiness. Poor Mrs. Pierce is truly to be pitied in such surroundings?"

Benjamin Stone Roberts (1810-1875) was an American lawyer, civil engineer, and a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He had married Elizabeth Sperry in 1835, and it is possible he was trying to make an introduction for one of his wife's relations to the Presidential household. The Pierces suffered an overwhelming tragedy when their only surviving son, Benjamin was killed at the age of 11 in a train accident just two months before Franklin's inauguration. The family had been traveling on the Boston and Maine Railroad between Andover and Lawrence, Massachusetts when their car derailed and slid over an embankment. Franklin and Jane received only minor injuries but Benjamin's death was witnessed by his parents; He was the only fatality of the accident. Benjamin's death had a lasting effect on his mother, who never fully recovered. Jane had lost two sons prior to this and believed that they were being punished by God as punishment for her husband's political ambitions. She did not attend the inauguration and was reclusive in her role as First Lady. During the first two years of Pierce's presidency, the duties of the First Lady were often fulfilled by Abby Kent-Means, who was Jane's aunt.

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.

WE PROVIDE IN-HOUSE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE!
8" x 10"