January 2018 Auction Ends Thursday, January 25th, 5pm Pacific
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 1/25/2018
Very poignant autograph letter signed by Franklin Pierce regarding the death of his son Benjamin Pierce, who died in an unusual train accident shortly before Pierce's inauguration as President. Having already lost their first two sons, the death of their third son Benjamin threw First Lady Jane Pierce into a depression from which she never fully recovered, which Pierce references here as well. In this letter, Franklin Pierce writes freely of how Benny's death impacted him. Dated 15 July (no year, but likely 1857), Pierce writes to his niece, ''I am glad to learn, my dear niece, from your pleasant note of the 13th inst. that you are enjoying the salt...air of Greenwich with such agreeable surroundings. I regret to inform you that your aunt Jane's health continues extremely feeble. After leaving Phila. we passed a week in New York - two in Boston and since that time have been here with your aunt's only sister Mrs. Aiken, who retains a very distinct recollection of yr. dear mother and yourself...in Lowell in 1848 - How many sad changes have occurred since that time. Your two little cousins and play mates our dear Benny and Freddy Wentworth passed away about the same time, and soon after, Benny's cousin Alfred Aiken whom you may also remember is about the same age was called from Earth. There is a great deal that is sad here and yet I cling to the place where I enjoyed the last intercourse and exchanged the last words with my noble boy - If your aunt is strong enough we should go to the sea side (at Portsmouth or in that vicinity) next week - Your aunt and myself will always regard your dear child with the deepest interest...I think you must be greatly blessed in your...Mother...regards to her and also to yr. excellent father when you write to him - With much love from your aunt & myself / Yrs. affectionately / Franklin Pierce''. He adds, ''Direct your letters to Concord N.H.'' Four page letter on card-style stationery measures 3.5'' x 5.75''. Spot of tape residue at upper corner of last page, otherwise near fine.
Franklin Pierce Poignant Autograph Letter Signed Regarding the Death of His Son, ''...our dear Benny...was called from Earth...I cling to the place where I...exchanged the last words with my noble...
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