Books and Manuscripts

President John Tyler Authorizes a Letter of Condolence to French King Louis Philippe I, Concerning the Death of his Son

Washington, (D.C.), August 29, 1842. One sheet folded to make four pages, 10 x 8 1/4 in. (254 x 209 mm). Partially-printed presidential order, signed by Tyler, directing "the Secretary of State," Daniel Webster, "to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of a letter of Condolence to His Majesty, Louis Philippe, King of the French."; docketed on verso; creasing from contemporary folds; bottom horizontal crease just touching Tyler's signature.

Tenth President of the United States, John Tyler, directs his Secretary of State, Daniel Webster, to authorize a letter of condolence to French King Louis Philippe I (1773-1850), likely upon the news of the death of Philippe's eldest son, Ferdinand Philippe, Duke of Orléans (1810-42), then heir apparent to the throne. The Duke died in mid-July 1842 following a carriage accident. A funeral service was held at Notre Dame on July 30, and the Duke was later interred in the Royal Chapel in Dreux.

A very nice example.