One page, folio, written in brown ink and signed at conclusion; integral address leaf addressed to “Mrs. Z. Allen, Providence, Rhode Island,” with red Nashville postal marking and remnants of red wax seal. Minor folds and wear consistent with mailing. A highly appealing Tennessee letter concerning an autograph request from Andrew Jackson during the final years of the former president’s life. Writing from Nashville, Alfred Bales explains that he has not forgotten his promise to secure Jackson’s autograph, but that circumstances—including Jackson’s prolonged illness at the Hermitage—have delayed fulfillment of the request. Bales recounts corresponding with Jackson on the matter and notes that the General’s reply was subsequently misplaced. He then enlisted the help of a member of the Jackson household to recover the autograph, ultimately sending Mrs. Allen a document that would “answer every purpose” she had in mind. The letter provides a contemporary assessment of Jackson’s health only months before his death in June 1845, observing that “the old Hero, if he lives, which is exceedingly doubtful, will be seventy-seven years of age the fifteenth of the coming March.” Bales also references mutual acquaintances, including Mrs. George Jones, and closes with a notably gallant flourish, describing the recipient as “an accomplished and beautiful and fascinating Lady.” An attractive and personal Hermitage-related letter documenting the intense public interest in Andrew Jackson autographs during his lifetime, written while the aging former president was in declining health and less than eighteen months before his death. Condition: Very good. Light toning, mailing folds, seal remnants, and minor edge wear; manuscript strong and legible throughout.
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Nashville 13th December 1843 Dear Madam, The promise which I made to send you the autograph of General Jackson has not been forgotten. On my return to the South West in the autumn of forty two my business at my farm two hundred miles from this point detained me several months; and when I reached Nashville the General was ill and so remained for a long time. I addressed him a note on this subject to which he made a reply and in which he acknowledged the honor which your request implied; but this note was mislaid and thereupon I charged a divine little widow who is a member of the family at the Hermitage to recover that reply, she has always said that the next time I came she would be sure to have it. Enclosed I send you a document which will answer every purpose which you have in view. The old Hero if he lives, which is exceedingly doubtful, will be seventy-seven years of age the fifteenth of the coming March. Our amiable and excellent friend Mrs George Jones made me promise her that I would obtain this autograph for you; therefore I desire that you state to her that I have redeemed my pledge. Because I feel myself bound always by my word both to man and woman and more especially to an accomplished and beautiful and fascinating Lady. Please present my respects to Mr Allen, to your fair daughters and to Mr and Mrs Clifford and accept for yourself my best wishes for your health and happiness. Alfred Bales To Mrs Z. Allen.
