2006-03
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 2/28/2006
ADAMS, John (1735-1826) Second President of the United States and a drafter of the Declaration of Independence, which he also signed. He later joined Franklin and Jay to negotiate peace with Great Britain. Autograph Endorsement Signed "J. A." below the closing of a letter of Maryland Governor JOHN EAGER HOWARD (1752-1827) Autograph Letter Signed "J. E. Howard" as Governor, 1p. 7 1/4" x 9 1/4", Annapolis, January 23, 1789 to George Washington informing him of the Maryland results of the first Presidential election. Howard writes to Washington in full: "I have the honor to enclose a proclamation which will inform you of the result of the late elections in this state. The federal ticket has been carried by a very large majority. Knowing that this circumstance will give you pleasure I have taken the earliest opportunity of communicating it - One circumstance I will add that in the County which bears your name out of 1164 taken there was not one for the antifederal ticket." Howard referred to Washington County, Maryland, established in 1776, in honor of Washington, then commander of the Continental Army. Beneath Howard's signature, John Adams has noted that Howard was a "much distinguished as an officer of the army - particularly in the affair of the Cowpens So. Carolina J.A." Adams most likely wrote this note in reference to a query by Washington, who later, in 1795, offered the post of Secretary of War to Howard. Howard declined the offer citing ill health. Howard served with distinction at the Battle of Cowpens where he led the Maryland Continentals in the bayonet charge that secured victory for Morgan over Tarleton's Legion on January 17, 1781. Congress awarded a medal to Howard for his services. Howard was committed Federalist and served in the Senate from 1796 to 1803. In 1804, he was the Federalist nominee for Vice President. Although not included, Washington responded to this very congratulatory letter on February 2, 1789 from Mount Vernon: "Sir: I have been duly honored with your polite favor of the 23d. Ulto. enclosing your Excellency's proclamation of the Representatives and Electors returning by the State of Maryland. The whole number of Representatives being federal and the large majority by which they were chosen, is the most decisive proof that could be given of the attachment of the people of your State to the general Government, and must effectually silence any assertions that may be made in future declaring that the sentiment of the People was not in unison with that of the Convention which adopted the Constitution by so large a majority. It is somewhat singular that among so large a number of votes as you mention to have been found opposed to the federal ticket, it was a circumstance not to be expected in any County. The Election of Representatives to Congress takes place in this State today, upon the most moderate calculation it is thought at least one half of the number will be friends to the Constitution, the more sanguine speak with confidence of 6 or 7 out of the ten..." An important letter from the birth of the Republic with spectacular association from the first national election and the man who would serve as our second Executive.
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