ALS signed “J. Tyler,” one page both sides, 5 x 8, October 19, 1854. Letter addressed to Margaret. In part: “We were detained here yesterday by my inability to travel. Today I am better and shall proceed on our journey…I have been alone at the…house since midday yesterday. Perfect quiet was what I required. I write most hastily to say that since I have thought it over again the North Carolina leaves Baltimore every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday evening…I advise therefore that you leave on Thursday…but Robert will be in attendance on Wednesday and Thursday on the arrival of the cards…Now as to your bundle from Becker—I put it in my pocket and forgot to give it to you. Julia sent it by mail yesterday.” Tyler also adds a short postscript reading, in part: “I fear my present condition precludes the probability of my meeting you. I will if I can.” In fine condition, with a bit of scattered light toning and soiling.
‘Margaret’ was Tyler’s sister-in-law, the sister of former First Lady Julia Gardiner Tyler. The sisters had accompanied their father, David Gardiner, at the invitation of then-President Tyler, on an excursion onboard the USS Princeton in 1844. A malfunctioning naval gun exploded during the voyage, killing several people including David Gardiner. Following the accident, Tyler’s consolation of Julia—thirty years his junior and the woman he had been dating for two years—led to their marriage four months later. The wedding created family strife, notably amongst most of Tyler’s adult children, and became a media hot topic. Though formally retired from politics after leaving the White House and, as noted here, searching for “perfect quiet,” Tyler’s opinion was often sought by states-rights Democrats at the time of this correspondence. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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