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Very Rare A.L.S of Emily Donelson, Unofficial First Lady
DONELSON, Emily (1807-1836) Emily served as the unofficial First Lady from 1829 until her death in 1836. Emily was married to Andrew Jackson Donelson. After Andrew Jackson’s wife died, he invited his niece, Emily Donelson, 21 years old, to serve as hostess at the Executive Mansion. A.L.S., 1.5 Pages, 7.5”X10” she writes: My Dear Miss Taney, I have been intending to write to you for some weeks past, but the possibility of seeing you here very soon, has heretofore prevented me. I hope it is not too late to offer my congratulations upon the late result in the Senate. The mess all very much gratified and I am sure no one more so than myself. I hope it will be the means of bringing you all to Washington, although we have but a short time to remain here at any rate you must not forget your promise to pay me a visit this spring. We are quite alone at present and would be very happy if you and Ellen would come some ceremonie and pay some time with us. I have written to Miss Skinne who has also promised us a visit, to know at what time she would come, but expect as her husband is away, she will not be here before the first of May. I shall therefore expect you in the meantime. We have been very gay all winter. There seems to be a _______at present, and your arrival would set us all going again. I am very glad to hear the children have recovered. This fine weather will restore them again. Give my love to your Dear Ma. Tell her she must certainly come and see us, before we go to Tennessee. Present my kind regards to your Papa. My love to all the girls. May sends hers & a kiss to Alice. Believe me Dear Elizabeth to be yours. Truly and affectionately, E. Donelson, Washington April 7th. Letter broken in the folds and taped together in strategic places with tape holding it nicely and not affecting any of the writing. Can barely tell except if held up to the light. A very scarce letter from a young First Lady who lived to be only 29 years old. In over 50 years, this is the first example of an Emily Donelson signed item we have handled.........$1850.00
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