Thornton, James B. [Autograph Letter Signed, Washington, June 30, 1832 to Franklin Pierce, Hillsborough, N.H.] Quarto, two page letter written on a 4 page bifolium, old folds, and creases, free franked by Thornton, postal markings and sealing wax residue, else in very good, clean legible condition. Docketed in Pierce's hand on verso "J. B. Thornton, July 1832." Thornton writes to the young Pierce, his friend, the future President and fellow New Hampshire resident congratulating him on his recent nomination to Congress and on affairs in Washington. Thornton was employed as Second Comptroller of the Treasury, in which post he served from 1830-36. He provides some humorous content from the perspective of a jaded civil servant. "…Washington is a miserable God-forgotten city; and if it were not for the love of filthy lucre which I stand much in need of, and which, vile trash, runs through my fingers like water through a river, I would be off…I solemnly aver I had rather catch pigeons and fish for a living than control Uncle Sam's strong box with a salary of 3000 a year. I do no know whether the cholera will pay his, her, or its respects to this city of shreds and patches but I do not believe Henry Clay's fasting prayers will prevent it. Why the fellow is mad to think a prayer can be heard from this city, for, really, I do not believe it has been blessed with the presence of a guardian Angel this twenty year. But this is neither here nor there, nor is the tariff, nor the Bank - you learn all about them by the public papers…You are nominated for Congress which is well - that is I am satisfied. But was there much opposition to your nomination?... Just consider that I am a poor devil posted at Washington to guard with sword in hand the people's treasury and that I am bursting with curiosity to know how the people act & what they do…" American National Biography,vol. 17, pp. 495-497, Dictionary of American Biography, vol. VII, part two, 576-580 Price: USD 450.00 other currencies   order no. 30    inquire

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