Description: Adams John Quincy. Autograph letter signed ( J.Q. Adams ) 1 page (9.87 x 8 in.; 251 x 203 mm.) Quincy (Massachusetts) 1 July 1829 to Joseph Blunt of New York; with integral blank; tape reinforcement to vertical fold verso integral blank affixed to cardstock frame.

John Quincy Adams writes about his adoration for the American Flag and what it symbolizes.

He writes in full: Dear sir I have received your Letter of the 25th alto and have read with much pleasure the pamphlet upon the Relations between the Cherokees and the Government of the United States.

There is Reason Justice Benevolence and Humanity in your observations---I hope they will not be forgotten in our future Relations with The Cherokees.

I am glad to be informed with certainty of the authors of the Lyric Poem upon the American Flag a Poem which I prophecy will last as long as the flag itself I mean as the durable portion of the flag For Congress to my grievous affliction has enacted that the flag shall change with the accession of every new State By my good will the flag should remain till the last conclusion of nature as it was assumed in 1776 I have no relish for change of Standards.

Did you tell Mr. Hallack that I should be grateful to him if he would write us a few Sailor s Songs in the Style of his Alnwick Castle but without the Ten and six pence Sterling? Our navy wants Legislation of the Minstrel to reform that of the Capitol--And if Halleck would write the Songs anybody might draw the Be it enacted. Your friend J.Q. Adams

George Washington called John Quincy Adams the young man who would prove to be the ablest diplomat in the American Service. This remarkable letter was written just a few months after leaving the Presidency. Adams was the truest form of an American patriot and the sentiments expressed in this letter toward the American flag that so many have died to defend is indicative of his entire life.

Full LOA from PSA/DNA.