ALS, three pages on two adjoining sheets, 8 x 9.75, June 12, 1824. Letter to his son, General Henry Dearborn, written while serving as minister plenipotentiary to Portugal. In part: “Having received no intimation from our Government that I may return home, I begin to suspect that the President considers himself to be the best Judge of the propriety of my continuing or not, and I shall act accordingly, but whether I am allowed to return this summer or not, your Mother and Laura and Nancy and Henry with his wife, will return, they will sail in a large ship belonging to Boston Capt. Austen, which will probably sail about the first week in July…our hope that I may be permitted to return with them, if not I shall endeavor to make myself as easy as possible. His most faithfull [sic] Majesty has at last ordered a Cortes to be assembled, composed (as of old) of the three estates, the Nobles, Clergy and Commons and has also published an amnesty, for past political sins with too great a number of exceptions, no permanent arrangement of his cabinet has yet been concluded on, things remain at loose ends. Unfortunately for the British interest, a bickering has commenced between Sir Edward Thornton and Lord Beresford, which will probably give an advantage here to the French interest. I am merely a spectator, having given over all hopes of effecting anything by way of a commercial arrangement, and of course I can be of no use here.” In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature). Dearborn had been appointed as minister plenipotentiary to Portugal by James Monroe in 1822 and served until June 30, 1824, mere weeks after this letter, when he was recalled from the position at his own request. Pre-certified PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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