Very scarce ALS signed 'D. P. Madison,' one page, 7.75 x 9.75, June 22, 1840. Brief letter to Richard Smith at the Bank of the Metropolis. In full: 'Will you again permit me to ask the favour of your attention to a renewal of my note in the Bank of the Metropolis? Accept my assurance of constant regard.' Second integral page bears a hand addressed and free-franked address panel, addressed to 'Richard Smith Esq., Cashr of the Bank of the Metropolis, Washington,' and franked at the top, 'Free, D. P. Madison.' Panel also bears a June 23, Orange, Ohio postmark. Intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, a few creases and wrinkles, and some light staining to lower left, otherwise fine condition. A vertical fold passes through a single letter of franking signature as well.
Dolley Madison was hard-pressed to keep the legacies of James Madison going following his 1836 death. Still residing at Montpelier at the time she wrote this letter, the former first lady was in debt to her family. Complicating matters, debtors were unable to repay her money owed, and she in turn was unable to pay off her own debts. While making financial requests such as this, Madison remained involved in the publication of her husband’s papers, which went on sale in March 1840. Unfortunately, the publication process was met with one obstacle after another, including accusations that James Madison’s desire to free his slaves upon his death had been thwarted—presumably by her. A decidedly tumultuous period in the life of the former first lady, from whom handwritten letters are seldom encountered. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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