ALS signed “Danl. Webster,” one page, 6.5 x 8.25, January 23, 1852. Webster, then secretary of state, writes to the president. In full: “I propose to appoint Hardy M. Burton Commercial Agent at St. Thomas in place of William R. Moore now there in that capacity, if you know no objection.” Fillmore has endorsed in red ink at the foot of the letter: “Approved, Jany. 23, 1852, M. Fillmore.” After a year of service in St. Thomas, West Indies, Hardy M. Burton died there of yellow fever at the age of 34. Burton is one of 225 honorees on the American Foreign Service Association Memorial Plaques in the lobby of the Truman Building in Washington “honoring Americans who lost their lives under heroic or other inspirational circumstances or otherwise in the line of duty while serving the U.S. Government and the American people abroad in foreign affairs.” Light intersecting folds and handling wear (mild wrinkling), a few minor stains and tiny spots of ink offsetting, and faint show-through at corners of mounting remnants to reverse, otherwise fine condition. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
