ALS, one page, 8 x 10, September 10, 1817. Letter to James Monroe, addressed in the lower left of the letter “James Munroe [sic] President of the U. States.” In full: “I beg leave to renew the application of Mr. Richard C. Cross for a cadets warrant to enter the military academy at West Point, he is the same young gentleman I introduced to you some time since. There was no vacancy in the academy at that time. Mr. George Graham, then acting Sec of War gave him the promise of the first vacancy; being now advised that there are many vacancies, Mr Cross goes on fully persuaded that he will not be disappointed, relying on the promise made him by the acting Sec of War. Mr Cross is a young man of good chosen stock & respectable parentage and bids(?) to become use full member of the task, for the youth, your attention & fulfillment of the promise of the Sec of War, I hope he may receive his warrant without delay, so that he may proceed to West Point with thy[sic] nephew and ward, Cadet A.J. Donelson and E. Button, whom I have charged to wait upon & pay their respects to you as they pass treaty.” Integral leaf is addressed in Jackson’s hand to “James Munroe [sic] President of the United States, City of Washington.” Letter and panel have been heavily professionally cleaned, silked, and de-acidified. In very good condition, with a few small areas of paper loss to letter, paper loss to address panel from wax seal, previous intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, and some scattered light toning.
Jackson’s letter in support of fellow Tennessee native Cross gained the young man admission at West Point in 1817. Graham, Monroe’s secretary of war, was instrumental in founding the prestigious military academy. A few months after writing this letter, Monroe would order Jackson to lead a campaign against the Seminole and Creek Indians, which ultimately resulted in Spain ceding Florida to the United States. His adopted son Donelson would serve under him until after the close of the Florida campaign. A rare letter to the president from Old Hickory. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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