Description

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS PRESENTATION COPY INSCRIBED TO FELLOW CONGRESSMAN ELIAS KENT KANE

ADAMS, John Quincy. Oration on the Life and Character of Gilbert Motier de Lafayette Delivered at the Request of Both Houses of the Congress of the United States, before them, in the House of Representatives at Washington, on the 31st December, 1834. Washington, 1835. Octavo, contemporary full straight-grain red morocco sympathetically rebacked.

First edition, presentation copy, inscribed to fellow Congressman on tipped-in leaf (as always): “Elias K. Kane from John Quincy Adams.” In the original special presentation binding.

The sixth president of the United States was friendly with the Marquis de Lafayette throughout his life. While Adams was Secretary of State under President James Monroe, he arranged to bring Lafayette to America for a lecture tour in preparation for the 50th anniversary of the American Revolution. President Adams later hosted Lafayette at the White House, in 1825. Lafayette died in May 1834, and Adams, as a member of the House of Representatives, delivered the address contained in this volume to commemorate the life of this Revolutionary War hero. The inscription is on a tipped-in leaf, as was always customary for presentation copies from Adams. Sabin 295. The recipient of this copy, Elias Kent Kane, was one of Illinois’ first Senators, serving in Washington from 1824 until his death shortly after the publication of this volume. His tenure as Senator included Adams’ presidency (1825-29) and some of Adams’ time as a Congressional Representative (1831-1848). Scattered light foxing to first and last leaves only. A beautiful copy.