Beschreibung:

TYLER, JOHN, President . Autograph letter signed ("John Tyler") to his nephew "Boswell" Seawall, Sherwood Forest, Virginia, 11 November 1845. 2 pages, folio, 340 x 210 mm. (13½ x 8¼ in.), address leaf lacking, otherwise in fine condition. AN EX-PRESIDENT SELLS BONDS: "DOLLARS, WHETHER FEW OR MANY, ARE IMPORTANT TO ME" Less than a year after leaving the White House, Tyler enlists his nephew to help him with his pressing financial problems. Tyler and his wife had retired to Sherwood Forest, a 1,200 acre plantation worked by some 30 slaves, near Richmond. The furnishing of the new home quickly taxed Tyler's finances. Tyler borrowed what he could and, as in the present letter, went to great lengths to collect money owed him, no matter how small: "I send you three bonds which I wish you to collect if you can altho' I fear that as to all but the Sopers Joint Bond the chance is bad...I do not wish you to sell unless you plainly perceive that a probability exists of recovering the money...I paid...Johnny O'Neil [$3.56]...as the enclosed note [not present] from him will show. If he is still alive you can ask payment, otherwise not. The postscript to the letter to Mr. Crittendon will enable you to apply to him...These are small matters but the world is made up of atoms, and for myself I have incurred many heavy expenses in fitting up this place and dollars whether few or many are important to me. Should you collect anything deduct what you may esteem a compensation for your trouble and remit by mail..."