History has not left a trail to follow the Mr. Perkins S. Kimball that this letter so beautifully recommends but holding the position of Inspector in the Custom House Office of Boston was a prestigious job. Having such a glowing review from the editor of New Hampshires leading publication the Patriot & State Gazette along with former New Hampshire Senator and future President Franklin Pierce meant Mr. Kimball was highly qualified. The Honorable Marcus Morton who received the recommendation was long known in New England as a progressive Democrat and former Governor of Massachusetts. By 1845 he had just left office as the Governor and was appointed Collector of the Port of Boston by President James K. Polk. An employee of the Custom House of Boston would have found gainful employment under Morton as they oversaw the entire Port of Boston. Mortons presidential appointment was controversial due to his deep belief in the abolition of slavery. Whether or not Mr. Kimball joined Mortons employment they would have shared many political ideals. The letter reads:

Concord April 3 1845 Hon. Marcus Morton. We cheerfully comply with the request of Mr. Perkins S. Kimball now and inspector in the Custom House Office at Boston that we should address you a line in favor of his retention in office (illegible) yourself. He was until his recent appointment as inspector in the Custom House employed in our office; and we can safely bear testimony to his industry diligence and capability. He is an intelligent and honest man and a sound democrat. We should be personally much gratified if you should decide to retain him in the office he now holds being well assured of his qualifications and integrity. Very Respectfully Carroll T Baker editor of N.H. Patriot & State Gazette I fully concur with above request with [illegible] to Mr. Kimball who has been long known to [illegible]. Franklin Pierce

Franklin Pierce had served as a member of the House and the Senate as a representative of New Hampshire from 1833-37 and 1837-42 respectively. After his time in the Senate Pierce was appointed Attorney of New Hampshire by President Polk and stayed in the public eye through his Pro bono work along with his military service during the Mexican-American War. Shortly after the end of the war Pierce ran for President to try and clean up the mess left behind by the 1850 Compromise. His belief that each state had a say in domestic matters drew voters to his side and in March of 1853 Pierce became the 14th President of the United States. Despite his New England upbringing Pierce firmly believed that the states had a right to vote on whether or not they would legalize slavery. While it is said that he did not agree with slavery he did nothing to try and fight for greater federal oversight on the issue. The Kansas-Nebraska Act the principal cause of "Bleeding Kansas" did more to provoke fighting on the Senate floor than progress with the democratic agenda. Pierce lost the support of the North by accepting Nebraska as a slave territory and thus lost a chance at a second term as President.

This letter is written in two different hands on light blue paper which has faded on the letter side to almost a cream. The creases in the letter are the ones that were originally created when the letter was folded and mailed out. On the backside of the letter are the addressee (Hon. Morton) and the signature of the addresser (Mr. Baker while Franklin Pierce's lovely signature can be found on the letter side.

Includes Full LOA from PSA (W09595).