ALS, one page, 7.25 x 9, September 9, 1817. Handwritten letter to Richard Rush, marked "Private." In part: "I am stepping into the Carriage on my way to Washington, and have scarcely a moment to acknowledge the receipt of your two favours...If the Communication from the French Minister is as important as that which Lord Castlereagh took so much trouble to transmit, it will not set fire to the Potowmack, the Seine or the Thames." Gorgeously mounted, matted, and framed with an engraved portrait to an overall size of 22.5 x 17. In fine condition, with intersecting folds (one vertical fold passing through a single letter of the signature).
Adams wrote this letter when departing from his home in Quincy, Massachusetts, for Washington, DC, to assume his position as secretary of state in the cabinet of President James Monroe. Monroe took office on March 4, 1817, and recalled Adams from his diplomatic post in London to become the new secretary of state. In the interim period, Richard Rush acted in his place; once Adams arrived, Rush was appointed as minister to the United Kingdom. Adams finally arrived in Washington on September 20, and officially began his duties as secretary of state on September 22.
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