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Lot 63
Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) Signer of the Declaration of Independence and member of the Continental Congress; one of three men who refused to sign the U.S. Consntitution without a Bill of Rights; U.S. Congressman, Governor of Massachusetts, and Vice President of the U.S. The term "gerrymandering" was coined from Gerry's name. Excellent content Autograph Manuscript, 2 pp (1 sheet), 9 x 7¼ in., Cambridge, April 4, 1797. Being Gerry's retained copy of a letter he sent to future President James Monroe, who had just been recalled from France; this copy was actually sent to Monroe, as evidenced by Gerry's note at the end. In part: " I am very happy to hear of your arrival at Philadelphia; but Mrs. Gerry & myself should have been much more so, had you taken passage from Boston & spent some time with us….Your recal [sic] has always been, in my mind, enigmatical. I have made enquiry of all my friends, but no one could tell the reason. When Mr. [Pierre] Adet [French minister to the U.S.] was here, I enquired of him; & he supposed, there was a plan to fill all the foreign offices with men disaffected to the french government….I am convinced, that there has been a deep system, at home & abroad, to disgrace republicanism & republican officers, & that the late President [Washington] has unfortunately confided too much in persons of this disposition. If this was the case, I am sure…that our present chief magistrate was not in the secret: the intriguers probably knew him too well, to suppose he would join the nefarious league; & they accordingly laid a plan to prevent his election, as well as Mr. Jeffersons, but have happily for the public, failed…" Gerry dismisses rumors that Monroe's recall had to do with land speculation, and waits to get Monroe's own account so that "I may be able to do justice by your character…I think…the high esteem…expressed by the french directory in their answer to your communication of recal, & the refusal of mr. Pinckney, will flash conviction in the faces of your enemies & defeat their calumnies…." A note in Gerry's hand at the bottom says, "The malpractice of the post office has induced me of late to take copies of my letters, if they touch on politics, & I inclose the above copy to ascertain whether you have recd the original."
In the spring of 1794, Monroe accepted the diplomatic position of Minister Plenipotentiary to France. His assignment was to help maintain friendly relations with France, despite efforts to remain on peaceful terms with Great Britain. Monroe was recalled in September 1796 and felt that he had been betrayed by his opponents who used him to appease France while they made great concessions to Britain in Jay's Treaty, signed by the U.S. in 1794. Monroe remained bitter about his recall for the rest of his life. Near fine.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 3,000.
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