Elbridge Gerry autograph letter signed ("E Gerry"). Two pages of a bifolium, 7.75" x 9.5", Washington; November 21, 1814. Docketed. Vice President of the U.S. Gerry writes to the Secretary of War recommending and promoting military appointments two days before his death. Letter from Gerry to John Armstrong Jr. (1758-1843), Secretary of War, recommending the military appointment of one Jacob Ricketts Jr. and promoting the military appointment of one Major Noah F. Willis. Two days after writing this letter, Gerry took ill and died. The letter reads, in full: "Permit me to enclose a letter of the 1st from Jacob Ricketts Junr, of New York, who wishes to join the Army. On the 11th of Feby last, I addressed a letter to General Armstrong for this purpose, & stated, that he was "a young gentleman of honor, of a good moral character, of talents & military accomplishments; having been a considerable time in one of the uniformed Corps of New York, & that he applied for a Lieutenancy. I have known him from his infancy, he being a nephew of Mrs. Gerry & should not permit myself hesitate to give him a Captaincy. Another letter is also enclosed of the 1st from Major Noah F. Willis, whom, as he states & without doubt truly, I appointed to be an aid to his Father Major General Willis of Massachusetts. I have no personal knowledge of the son, altho I will honor the Father who was a Senator, & a decided Republican; & as the son is willing to have his "sober habits & his moral character" tested "by a federal Representative" in Congress from that quarter, I presume they must be good. Accept dear sir my best wishes, highest esteem & sincere regards." Signed, "E. Gerry". Elbridge Gerry (1744-1814) was a founder of the U.S., politician, and diplomat. He was James Madison's vice president from 1813 until his death in 1814. The political practice of gerrymandering is named after him. On November 23, 1814, Gerry fell seriously ill while visiting the Treasury Department, and he died not long after returning to his Washington, D.C. home. The letter is accompanied by an engraving of Gerry. John Armstrong Jr. (1758-1843) was born in Pennsylvania and later moved to New York. He served as a soldier, diplomat, and statesman who was a delegate to the Continental Congress, a U.S. senator from New York, and secretary of war under President James Madison. Armstrong was U.S. Minister to France from 1804 to 1810. Condition: Separated along integral fold. Second sheet separated along horizontal folds, with partial archival tape repair to one. Near complete split to one fold of first sheet. HID03101062020 © 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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