Beschreibung:

Letter Signed, to John Quincy Adams, introducing William Drayton .
Washington, [July 1815]. 1 page (8 x 6 inches, 200x155 mm). Condition: Usual folds, trimmed and mounted to ruled paper. An interesting letter of introduction from Monroe, written while Secretary of State, not only because it is written to john quincy adams , but because of the man he is referring to him. At the time of this letter, Adams was serving as the US Minister to Britain. Monroe here writes to him to introduce Drayton who was making a tour of Europe. Drayton (1776-1846) the son of a noted South Carolina jurist, had served as a representative to state house before the war of 1812, and at the outbreak volunteered for service. During the war he served with distinction with the 18th Infantry and would be promoted to Inspector General. Monroe writes: “Colonel Drayton of South Carolina, intending to visit England and other parts of Europe, I take much interest in introduction him to your acquaintance, and recommending him to your kind attention. He is one of our most respectable citizens. Eminent at the bar, at the commencement of the late war, he relinquished a profession, the emoluments of which were very considerable, for the service of his country in that important crisis, and his conduct in the field obtained him distinguished credit in the army, with high consideration from the government and commanders under whom he served. His pursuits are honorable. I flatter myself that you will obligingly extend to him your good offices.” Several years after this letter, Drayton would be elected to Congress as a Jacksonian Democrat and would serve as President of the Bank of the US - an ironic fact considering his meeting here with Jackson's nemesis John Quincy Adams.