A signed letter from John Quincy Adams is to be sold as part of a Fine Books & Manuscripts auction in New York later this month.
The November 18 sale will offer the letter as its top lot with an estimate of $80,000-100,000. The four-page document sees Adams addressing Elijah Haywood, a prominent lawyer in the state of Ohio.
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Dated April 20, 1837 from Washington, Adams writes to Haywood in thanks for his support over a speech that he made in objection to slavery at the House of Representatives. He goes on to explain his stance on slavery on political, moral, philosophical and theological grounds.
Adams writes: "I believe the day will come when there will be neither war, slavery, nor hereditary kings upon earth. How many centuries it will take to accomplish this revolution it is not given to me to foretell."
The former president had been elected a US representative from Massachusetts after leaving office. During his service he was the leading opponent of slavery and even predicted that if a civil war should break out, the president would be able to use his war powers to abolish slavery.
Documents relating to America's slave trade are extremely popular in the current market. Abraham Lincoln's 1863 Emancipation Proclamation made $2.1m in June and the correspondence collection of abolitionist George T Downing sold 150% above estimate in September.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has a great selection of presidential memorabilia currently available, including an authentic strand of hair from President John Adams, John Quincy Adams' father. We are also offering a unique collectible that Lincoln collectors won't want to miss.