JOHN QUINCY ADAMS (1767-1848), son of President John Adams and Abigail Adams, became the 6th President of the United States. He also served as a United States Senator, a member of the House of Representatives and Secretary of State. Adams was a member of the Federalist, Democratic-Republican, National Republican and later the Anti-Masonic and Whig parties.Adams played an important role in negotiating key treaties, as a diplomat, most notably the Treaty of Ghent, which ended the War of 1812. As Secretary of State, he negotiated with Britain over the United States’ northern border with Canada, negotiated with Spain the annexation of Florida and drafted the Monroe Doctrine. Historians generally concur he was one of the greatest diplomats and secretaries of state in American history.Adams was elected president in a close and controversial four-way contest in 1824. As president, he sought to modernize the American economy and promote education. He enacted part of his agenda and paid off much of the national debt. But he was stymied by a Congress controlled by opponents and his lack of patronage networks helped politicians sabotage him. He lost his 1828 bid for re-election to Andrew Jackson.After his presidency, Adams was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1830. He had a revulsion against slavery and predicted the Union’s dissolution over slavery. He felt the president could abolish slavery by using his war powers.Offering his bold J.Q. Adams free frank on the front panel, 3 ¼ x 6 ¼, of a cover addressed to Connecticut Congressman Sylvester Gilbert in Hebron, CT. Signed while serving as Secretary of State. This was sent from the Registry Office and is side-docketed with the note “Perry’s Patent – Dec. 9th, 1823 sent the land Warrant issued to Isaac g. Perry & Fanny N. Perkins to the Gen’l Land Office for a Patent.” The recipient of this correspondence was Sylvester Gilbert (1755-1846), a United States Representative from Connecticut. Gilbert graduated from Dartmouth College in 1775.A very fine specimen that would display beautifully.

Slight roughness on the bottom edge. Expected toning. Comes with an engraving of Adams.