LS, one page, 8 x 9.5, February 2, 1819. Jackson writes from Washington to Joseph Delaplaine. In part: “I regret extremely my inability to comply with your request, were it in my power, it would give me much pleasure to serve you; but a pressure of business and a slight indisposition will prevent me from devoting that time to Mr. King which would be necessary for him to take my portrait.” Second integral page bears docketing in another hand as well as an address panel in another hand to Delaplaine in Philadelphia. In very good condition, with several intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, paper loss along fragile hinge, a few small edge chips, and light scattered overall toning, soiling, and wrinkling.
Jackson had rushed to Washington to prepare a defense for his actions in Florida in 1818, when he invaded that territory, destroyed Seminole villages, captured Pensacola, overthrew the Spanish governor, and executed two British citizens...all without presidential authorization. Many of the congressmen who supported the move to punish Jackson regarded the operation as a violation of the Constitution, while others hoped to use the event to discredit the Monroe administration. Delaplaine, the recipient of this message, was a Philadelphia publisher who, a few years earlier, began a serial publication on the lives of distinguished Americans, a series of engravings with biographical notices. The request made of Jackson’s time undoubtedly was to participate in the project, with the future president deferring to “a pressure of business and a slight indisposition” to avoid his involvement. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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