![TYLER, John (1790-1862). President. Autograph letter signed ("J Tyler") as President, to his daughter [Mary Jones], Washington, 4 March 1844. 3 pages, 4to, integral leaf neatly inlaid, very fine.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2001/NYR/2001_NYR_09880_0290_000(040349).jpg?w=1)
细节
TYLER, John (1790-1862). President. Autograph letter signed ("J Tyler") as President, to his daughter [Mary Jones], Washington, 4 March 1844. 3 pages, 4to, integral leaf neatly inlaid, very fine.
TYLER ON THE ACCIDENT ABOARD THE U.S.S. PRINCETON: "A MORE HEART RENDING SCENE SCARCELY EVER OCCURED"
Exactly a year before the end of his term as president, Tyler poignantly informs his eldest daughter of the tragic explosion o board the USS Princeton a few days before. Commissioned in 1843, the Princeton was the first ship in the U.S. Navy powered by a steam driven propeller and was equipped with the newest technology and weapons, including the world's largest naval gun, known as "The Peacemaker." On February 28, 1844, the Princeton made a special cruise on the Potomac with a compliment of dignitaries on board, including President Tyler, Secretary of State Abel Upshur (1790-1844) and Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer (1802-1844). During a demonstration of "The Peacemaker," the breech of the large gun exploded, killing ten people including Upshur and Gilmer. Tyler, who was below deck, was unharmed.
Tyler is still distraught over the disaster: "You have heard no doubt of the terrible occurrences on board the Princeton together with all the particulars. A more heart rending scene scarcely ever occur[e]d. What a loss I have sustained in Upshur and Gilmer. They were truly my friends and would have aided me for the next twelve months with great effect. But it is all over now and I must look out for new Cabinet ministers. My great desire will be to bring in as able men as the country can afford. I shall determine upon them in the course of the week. I have been greatly distressed and my health has accordingly suffer[e]d. I hope however to be restored in a day or two." Amongst the dead was David Gardiner, the father of Tyler's second wife. Tyler concludes that his own daughters should attend the funeral: "The death of Col. Gardiner suggested to me the propriety of bringing the girls here during the funeral. Poor things my heart bled for them. They left us this morning with their feelings much compos[e]d by the honors paid to the dead - of which you will learn the particulars from the newspapers."
Tyler concludes with advice on his son-in-law's debt and the construction and design of his daughter's home.
TYLER ON THE ACCIDENT ABOARD THE U.S.S. PRINCETON: "A MORE HEART RENDING SCENE SCARCELY EVER OCCURED"
Exactly a year before the end of his term as president, Tyler poignantly informs his eldest daughter of the tragic explosion o board the USS Princeton a few days before. Commissioned in 1843, the Princeton was the first ship in the U.S. Navy powered by a steam driven propeller and was equipped with the newest technology and weapons, including the world's largest naval gun, known as "The Peacemaker." On February 28, 1844, the Princeton made a special cruise on the Potomac with a compliment of dignitaries on board, including President Tyler, Secretary of State Abel Upshur (1790-1844) and Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer (1802-1844). During a demonstration of "The Peacemaker," the breech of the large gun exploded, killing ten people including Upshur and Gilmer. Tyler, who was below deck, was unharmed.
Tyler is still distraught over the disaster: "You have heard no doubt of the terrible occurrences on board the Princeton together with all the particulars. A more heart rending scene scarcely ever occur[e]d. What a loss I have sustained in Upshur and Gilmer. They were truly my friends and would have aided me for the next twelve months with great effect. But it is all over now and I must look out for new Cabinet ministers. My great desire will be to bring in as able men as the country can afford. I shall determine upon them in the course of the week. I have been greatly distressed and my health has accordingly suffer[e]d. I hope however to be restored in a day or two." Amongst the dead was David Gardiner, the father of Tyler's second wife. Tyler concludes that his own daughters should attend the funeral: "The death of Col. Gardiner suggested to me the propriety of bringing the girls here during the funeral. Poor things my heart bled for them. They left us this morning with their feelings much compos[e]d by the honors paid to the dead - of which you will learn the particulars from the newspapers."
Tyler concludes with advice on his son-in-law's debt and the construction and design of his daughter's home.