ALS, one page, 7.5 x 9.5, June 30, 1813. Handwritten letter to Reverend William Bentley in Salem, in full: "Well knowing your love of your Country, and your judicious discrimination in the choice of measures to promote its Interest: I presume you will not be displeased with inclosed Volume. Be so good as to accept it, as a very small expression of gratitude for the many civilities I have received from you. At the same time your Situation may afford Opportunities of improving the Work and extending its Circulation." Impressively cloth-matted and framed with a portrait and biographical caption to an overall size of 30 x 27. In fine condition.
The recipient, Rev. William Bentley (1759–1819), was a Unitarian minister, scholar, and polymath, said to have possessed the second best personal library in the United States—surpassed only by that of Thomas Jefferson. He must have looked fondly upon Adams's gift of a new volume with high esteem, and—as he was an indefatigable reader—perused it with pride and satisfaction. He kept detailed diaries recording current events, and, beginning in 1794, produced a weekly news summary of world events for the Salem Gazette.
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