June 2023 Story Musgrave Auction Ends Thursday, June 29th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/29/2023
Original poem composed by John Quincy Adams, handwritten and signed by the 6th President. Poem is one of only three acrostic poems Adams wrote in his lifetime, with the first letter of each line together spelling ''Mary Morris'', reportedly the name of the daughter of Adams' congressional colleague. Signed ''John Quincy Adams / Quincy Massachusetts'' at top and datelined ''Washington 27 Feb'y 1843'' at bottom, poem reads in full:
''Mark the revolving seasons as they roll
And let them teach instruction to thy soul:
Read and reflect - and thus shalt thou ensure
Youth's blooming bud, and Age's fruit mature
Mark in they progress o'er the stage of life
One scene of Folly wickedness and strife
Refrain from earth's temptations as they rise
Refrain and look to bliss beyond the skies
In calm composure, virtue's path pursue
Still to thyself and to thy maker true''.
Visible portion of manuscript measures 5.25'' x 5.75'', double matted to a size of 9.25'' x 10''. Moderate toning, dampstaining to top left corner and small closed tears, one through signature. Overall in good condition. Rare.
John Quincy Adams Handwritten & Signed Original Poem -- Acrostic Poem Was Given by Adams to the Daughter of His Congressional Colleague, Mary Morris
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