LS, one page, 7.75 x 9.5, October 3, 1822. Adams, then Secretary of State, writes to Senator Caesar Rodney (1772–1824), nephew of the same-named Signer. In part: “Your recommendation of Mr. Reilly for the appointment of Consul at Acapulco will be remembered. I am not certain whether I mentioned to you that the consular appointments to the new Governments will be deferred till the meeting of Congress. I forward herewith a copy of the pamphlet which I mentioned to you, and pray you again to accept my thanks for the British authorities to which you had the goodness to draw my attention and of which you will see I have availed myself.” After signing, Adams adds a postscript in his own hand: “The books you had the goodness to lend me shall be returned next week.” Both sides of the document have been professionally silked. A hint of mild toning, and short separations along folds (stabilized by silking), otherwise fine condition.
Adams connection with Mexico went back to 1817, when he was appointed Secretary of State. It was during this office that he played a key role in the 1819 treaty that led to the acquisition of Florida by Spain and established a boundary line between the United States and Spanish territory that placed Texas on the Spanish side of the line. In August 1821, Mexican independence was obtained from Spain following 11 years of war. This letter, written shortly before the US officially recognized Mexico as an independent nation on December 12, 1822, reveals some of the “behind the scenes” work taking place in preparation. His reference to thanking British authorities is perhaps related to his unsuccessful attempt to convince Great Britain to open West Indian trade to US ships. More than two decades later, in 1846, at the commencement of the Mexican-American War, Adams expressed his disdain for the conflict and claimed that it was simply an effort to expand slavery in the United States. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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