ALS as president signed “Frank. Pierce,” one page both sides, 6.75 x 8.5, October 7, 1855. Letter to Rev. Henry A. Boardman in Philadelphia. In part: “Your kind note of the 4th inst has just been read and I must utter a word of acknowledgment…before opening the sermon which I shall peruse with a sad heart and with an interest quickened by many painful memories. I am admonished to admit no delay especially on account of my mortifying failure to express thanks for the little note to which you refer. I read it twice and then placed it in the hands of Rev. Dr. Gurly and other friends who highly appreciated, as I did, the ability and force with which the appeal is argued. I have long desired to ask you to become our guest for a few days at the ‘White House.’ Will you not gratify Mrs. Pierce and myself by visiting us in the course of the autumn or winter? Our pastor, Mr. Sunderland, would I am sure be glad to arrange an exchange with you should you deem it desirable.” In fine condition.
Franklin and Jane Pierce experienced the ultimate tragedy just two months before entering the White House when their last child, Benjamin, was killed in a gruesome train accident. Having already lost their other two children, this final blow seriously affected both of them for the rest of their lives, and Pierce remained stricken with grief throughout his presidency. Reverend Boardman, a prominent Presbyterian clergyman, presumably acknowledged the loss in one of his sermons and forwarded Pierce a copy. Provenance: The Everett Fisher Collection. Pre-certified PSA/DNA.
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