RUFUS
KING. Autograph
Letter Signed his son, John A. King, London, no date [1825-26]. 1 page,
12½" x 8", plus integral address leaf.
A Signer
of the Constitution from Massachusetts, Rufus King later moved to New
York where he was elected to the U.S. Senate. He also served as the
U.S. minister to Great Britain, from 1796 to 1803 and again in 1825
and 1826. During his second term abroad, King’s eldest son, John,
who would go on to have a notable political career of his own, was the
secretary to the American legation.
Rufus
King here writes to John, who was then in Paris with his family, on
varied personal and business matters. “No post from Liverpool,
& no Frederic,” he remarks. “I opened a letter
from Robert to his Sister of his arrival at Havre – so that you
are all together.... I am glad that you found the children as well as
you expected, but you must not allow yourself to be detained too long
– Aspinwall does the Business at home, so that I see little of
him – Jones is making me a Pill Box, which he assures me will
prove a comfortable carriage – your wife must tell me how I shall
be able to remunerate Miss C____[?] for her friendly care and attention.
I have purchased my Turkey Carpets, and have had them examined as to
size & quality – I think of informing Mr. Canning [the British
foreign secretary] of my intended Motions – but shall do nothing
precipitably.” He closes, “Yours with Love to your
wife and children,” and signs in full, “Rufus King.”
King
has also penned the address leaf, directing the letter to his son in
Paris.
The address
leaf has a seal tear, but the piece is otherwise in very good condition.
$450.00
This
image omits the blank bottom margin of the lettersheet.
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