Signer of the Declaration of Independence from Massachusetts (1744–1814). Governor of Massachusetts (1810–1812) and Vice President of the United States (1813–1814). ALS, signed, "E. Gerry,"one page, 7.75 x 9.75, June 8, 1812, Cambridge, [Massachusetts]. Addressed in his hand on the transmittal panel to "Major General [Henry] Dearborn." At the outbreak of the War of 1812, Gerry writes concerning a young gentleman's desire for an officer's commission and to serve with Dearborn. Gerry writes, in full, "I have received the certificate enclosed from President Kirkland, this morning. the note has no direction, because the young[?] Gentleman did not disclose to Mr Kirkland the object. It is to obtain an appointment in the army, & if possible, in your [military] family. You can give him all the information & aid requisite on the occasion." Intersecting folds passing through the signature, a few pin holes to blank areas, and a small area of seal-related paper loss to left edge (continuing to the integral address leaf), otherwise fine condition.
Gerry refers to John Thornton Kirkland (1770–1840) who served as president of Harvard University from 1810 to 1828. General Dearborn had recently been commissioned a major general overseeing the northern border from the Niagara River to the coast of New England. His efforts to invade Canada in 1813 were met with little success, and he was reassigned to an administrative command in New York the same year. He was discharged in 1815.
