ADAMS, JOHN QUINCY, President. Autograph note signed to Matthew St. Clair Clarke, Esq., Washington, D.C., 4 March 1839. Oblong 4to, tipped to another sheet. Written during his term as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives (the only former President to serve in this capacity). At this point in his career, Adams was exceedingly active in the fight for the repeal of the House's self-imposed gag order on slavery. Adams writes: "I regret my inability to meet you this Evening at the Dinner at Brown's Hotel, and pray you to make my apology to the Committee, with my thanks for their kind invitation."