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1819 Chief Justice John Spencer Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) to Vice President Daniel D. Tompkins
Albany, November 6, 1819
An outstanding early Republic autograph letter signed by John Spencer (1768–1843), then Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court, written to Daniel D. Tompkins (1774–1825), the sitting Vice President of the United States under President James Monroe.
In this letter, Spencer addresses the return of books loaned to him by Tompkins. He notes he has selected and sent back “what I believe to be all that remain,” and requests correction in case of any omission or mistake. Spencer expresses gratitude for the use of the volumes, emphasizing that they have not been defaced or injured.
The reverse docketing in Tompkins’s own record notes: “Nov. 17, 1819 Answered” — showing that the Vice President’s office received and tracked the exchange. This small detail highlights the official nature of the correspondence and the careful recordkeeping of the era.
Transcription
Albany Nov. 6, 1819
Sir,
Not having received an answer to my letter requesting a copy of the list of books you left with me, I have selected those I send to you, what I believe to be all that remain. I would think in any omission or mistake in being informed of it, it shall be immediately corrected. I am much obliged to you for the use of these books, & venture to say they have not been injured or defaced in the subject degree.
Yours Obedt,
J. Spencer
To: Daniel D. Tompkins Esq.
Docketed on verso:
“Chief Justice Spencer, Nov. 6, 1819. Nov. 17, 1819 Answered.”
Biographical Notes
John Spencer (1768–1843): One of New York’s most important jurists. He served as a member of the state legislature, a judge, and ultimately Chief Justice of the New York Supreme Court (1819–1823). He was the father of John C. Spencer, who went on to serve as U.S. Secretary of War and Secretary of the Treasury.
Daniel D. Tompkins (1774–1825): Governor of New York (1807–1817) and the 6th Vice President of the United States (1817–1825) under James Monroe. A strong supporter of public education and civic institutions, Tompkins also personally financed much of New York’s War of 1812 expenses, nearly bankrupting himself. His autograph material remains highly sought after, particularly in letters dating from his vice presidency.
Significance
This letter offers a glimpse into the intellectual and professional networks that underpinned early 19th-century New York politics. The Vice President of the United States lending books to the Chief Justice of New York reflects the shared reliance on legal and political scholarship in shaping the young nation.
Documents connecting Tompkins and Spencer are scarce, and the survival of this ALS with docketing from Tompkins’s office makes it an exceptional find for collectors of early American politics, presidential material, New York legal history, and Supreme Court figures.
Condition
Folds and toning as expected; scattered foxing and some staining, but overall very legible with a bold Spencer signature. Docketing clear on verso.
Offered for the first time in decades — a rare direct correspondence between New York’s Chief Justice and the Vice President of the United States in 1819.
