John Adams Autograph Letters Signed (ALS): Identification, Values & How to Sell
To auction, sell or consign your John Adams autograph letter signed, please email your description and photos to [email protected] of Nate D. Sanders Auctions (NateDSanders.com).
How Important Was John Adams Signature?
Founding Father John Adams signed several vital documents during his life including the Declaration of Independence, the Alien and Sedition Acts and the Treaty of Paris, which officially ended the Revolutionary War. He also helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Massachusetts Constitution.
Some of John Adams Autograph Letters Signed We Sold:
Autograph Letter Signed as President — Sold for $27,000
Historically important John Adams autograph letter signed dated 19 July 1799, during his term as the second American President. Adams writes from Quincy, Massachusetts to Secretary of War James McHenry regarding the need for a standing army and navy, warning of embarrassment should the department heads be surprised. After the end of the American Revolution, the U.S., distrustful of standing militaries, sold off the last ship in its Continental navy and disbanded its army. A small navy was reinstated to protect American commerce with the onset of war in Europe in 1793. The U.S. negotiated a treaty with Britain but negotiations with France broke down during the XYZ affair. France, an ally to the American colonies during the American Revolution, now saw the U.S. as a British ally during their own war with England, and began seizing American merchant ships. In 1798, Congress established a Department of the Navy and empowered the merchant marine to defend American ships. A provisional army was also authorized. Peace negotiations with France began in January 1799, while Adams continued to build up the American military, as reflected in this letter. It reads in part, “…I agree with you…that both an Army and Navy Establishment is essential to the present and future Interests & Greatness of the United States and that We must run the Risks which other Nations have run. It appeared to me that Offices were created and Salaries made necessary in the Plan for Supplying the Army, which would require the Interposition of Congress, But if the Powers already given to Administration are Sufficient I am Satisfied…J. Adams”. This letter appears in “The Works of John Adams,” volume 8, 1856. Minor foxing and dampstaining along left edge of single page letter, measuring 8″ x 9.75″. Separation to folds; overall very good. Sold for $27,000.
Autograph Letter Signed Regarding the Stamp Act — Sold for $10,200
John Adams autograph letter signed “John Adams”, regarding the Stamp Act Congress, the colonists’ response to the infamous Stamp Act of 1765. This Act was one of the first legislative measures passed by Great Britain that taxed the colonists, an act which set in motion events leading to the Revolutionary War 10 years later. Adams writes to Jedidiah Morse regarding Morse’s work, “Annals Of The American Revolution”, an important record of the Revolution published in 1824, and refers to his role in the Revolution, “Five and Forty years ago”. From his home in Quincy, Massachusetts on 11 September 1815, Adams writes, “For some time past I have been unable to read or write or see, so that it has been impossible for me to answer your Expectations as I wished. And now it costs me more pain and time to write a line than it did but seven years ago to write a page. You will find me but a miserable resource for information or advice in your great Undertaking. I can give you nothing but broken hints. At present I send you a few documents from the oldest States man in America Governor Mackean, Four Letters Aug. 20. Oct. 9. Nov. 15, 1813 Jan. 1814. Also a Pamphet [sic] ‘Authentic account of the Proceedings of The Congress held at New York. A.D. 1765 on the Subject of the American Stamp Act.’ Instead of Specimens or hints of the manner in which I should try History if I could, I send you a Specimen of the manner in which I did write, history, poorly enough indeed, Five and Forty years ago. These Letters and Pamphlets I rely upon your Friendship to return to me by the Mail, after you have noted what may appear to your Purpose. When these shall be returned if my inflamed Eyes and quivering fingers will permit, I may give you a few hints but probably of no great importance…John Adams”. Single page letter measures 8″ x 9.75″. With integral address leaf written in another hand. Light soiling and small paper loss from seal, otherwise near fine condition given age. Accompanied by an engraving of Adams for framing, and housed in attractive custom clamshell case lettered in gilt on the front. Sold for $10,200.
Autograph Note Signed On 1792 Election Results — Sold for $9,768
Scarce and historically significant autograph note signed “John Adams, President of the Senate of the United States,” one page, 8″ x 10″, January 1, 1793. An acknowledgment of an important packet from Lot Hall, Presidential Elector for Vermont in 1792. In full: “Rec’d of Lot Hall Esqr. a Packet certified by the Electors of Vermont to contain a List of their Votes for President and Vice President of the United States.” In very good to fine condition, the letter has been professionally silked, with a horizontal fold through “United States” in Adams’ signature, small ink spot to top right, mild toning along left edge from old mounting residue on reverse, and some scattered light toning to body of text. During his first term as vice president, Adams alienated many Jeffersonians who sought to replace him with Founding Father George Clinton of New York. Although the political parties of the day knew that George Washington, who had originally wanted to retire after one term in office but agreed to seek re-election to quell the rise of partisanship, was virtually unbeatable, they felt that his vice president was vulnerable. Following the December 5, 1792, election, votes for president and vice president (then cast independently of each other)…including these from Vermont…were collected and forwarded to the embattled Adams, in his capacity as Senate president, for counting. Adams was probably unaware that the sealed envelope containing the electoral votes were unanimous in supporting his own re-election. In February, 1793, the electoral vote was tabulated by Congress, with George Washington received a vote on every elector’s ballot, giving him 132 votes and his second unanimous presidential election. Adams received 77 votes, including all Vermont’s ballots, while his opponent Clinton collected 50 votes. An historically important remarkable official acknowledgment that Adams had received the ballots from the state of Vermont that made George Washington President. PSA/DNA COA. Sold for $9,768.
Twice-Signed Autograph Note From 1767 — Sold for $5,012
Rare, early autograph note twice-signed by patriot John Adams who writes, “Rec’d the contents of this note principal & interest by the hand of Josiah Sturtevant [?] at Plymouth Dec. 1767 / J. Adams”. Note is written on a 6.25″ x 3.5″ sheet with calculations to the margins, not affecting Adams’ writing. On verso is the original obligation made by Lemuel Sturtevant who promises to repay John Adams three pounds and six shillings with interest. Obligation is written by John Adams in the third person, thus note is twice-signed. The only portion of note not in Adam’s hand is Lemuel Sturtevant’s signature. Exceptionally bold handwriting by Adams, clearly and largely written. Some uniform toning to note and light creasing, else near fine. Sold for $5,012.
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FAQs
What is the difference between a John Adams signed document and an autograph letter signed (ALS)?
A signed document is a full document that John Adams signed with official orders. A signed autograph letter signed contains Adams’s signature the body of the letter is fully handwritten by him as well.
How much is a John Adams autograph letter signed worth?
The value of your ALS can vary based on condition, year signed and content of letter.