A.J. Dallas ALS Re: War Department Expenses in the Wake of the War of 1812

1p ALS inscribed overall and signed by then U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander J. Dallas (1759-1817) as "A.J. Dallas" at lower right. Dated May 18, 1816, n.p. The watermarked cream paper has expected paper folds and a light diagonal crease not affecting the signature. There is a small hole located in the upper right corner, and a closed tear affecting one word ("Department" at center) which corresponds to where the wax seal was once adhered. Else near fine, with dark and bold handwriting. 9.75" x 7.75".

About 15 months after the end of the War of 1812, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Dallas wrote the Commissioner General of Purchases of the U.S. Army, in part: "M. Gammond has asked for a credit, upon the Notes, which were given for his purchases at the War Department; and I find that his application is referred to you. I am induced, therefore, to inform you, that I recommended a compliance with Mr. Gammond's request, and hope you may concur in the opinion…"

Alexander J. Dallas was a Jamaican-born lawyer, newspaper editor, and court reporter for the U.S. Supreme Court. He served as the 6th U.S. Secretary of the Treasury between October 1814 and October 1816 under the Madison administration. Dallas shared his political affiliation (Democratic-Republican) and fiscal policy (conservative) with personal friend and fellow Pennsylvanian Albert Gallatin (1761-1849), whose 13-year-long term as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury had wrapped up in early 1814. Under Dallas's secretarial leadership, the Treasury Department generated a surplus for the first time since being nearly bankrupted from War of 1812 expenses. Dallas also reorganized the department, and advocated for the Second Bank of the United States and species-based currency.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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