July 2013 Auction Ends Tuesday, July 23rd, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/23/2013
Timothy Pickering autograph letter twice signed as Secretary of State under President George Washington, whose death he announces in this letter. Datelined ''Department of State'' 21 December 1799, the letter is sent to Winthrop Sargent, Governor of the Territory of Mississippi: ''...I have to announce to you the death of the universally lamented General Washington. It was sudden & unexpected: The disorder, an inflammatory sore-throat, which in twenty four hours terminated his early existence. This happened on Saturday the 14th instant. The news-papers...will more fully describe to you the public sensations, and the manner in which this event will be distinguished...Timothy Pickering''. A postscript is signed with Pickering's initials. 2pp. letter measures 7.75'' x 10''. Toning, separation to folds repaired with tissue visible on verso. Notations and docketing to verso. Very good. At the Forbes Collection auction in 2002, a Tobias Lear autograph letter signed, dated 15 December 1799 to Lawrence Lewis & George Washington Parke Custis giving a first-hand account of the last days & death of George Washington and notifying them of the death sold for $55,000.
Timothy Pickering Announces George Washington's Death One Week Later -- ''...I have to announce to you the death of the universally lamented General Washington. It was sudden & unexpected...''
Click above for larger image.