JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS
(1767 - 1848) Sixth President of the United States, Secretary of State under Monroe who principally formulated the Monroe Doctrine. Good content A.L.S. 'John Quincy Adams' as U.S. Representative from Massachusetts, 1p. 4to., Washington, Mar. 31, 1845 to Daniel Washton, Chairman of Committees of the Literary Societies of Union College in Schenectady, New York. Adams states that he is honored to have been invited to address the group, but politely declines: '…other indispensable engagements and a precarious state of health which leaves me, but an imperfect disposal of my time and occupations. My best wishes for the successful activation of liberal studies and subjects…and for the continued and expanding prosperity of the learned Institution will nevertheless be as fervent during the remainder of my days…' Folds, else very fine. Founded in 1795, Union College was the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents, and second in the state of New York. In the 19th century, it became the 'Mother of Fraternities', as three of the earliest Greek letter societies were established there.