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This is a rare opportunity to own an original handwritten letter dated January 6, 1827, from Nathan Sanford, a key figure in early American politics, law, and education. Sanford was a U.S. Senator from New York, former U.S. Attorney, and served as Chancellor of New York, the highest judicial office in the state. The content of the letter addresses a request concerning the appointment of a cadet to the United States Military Academy at West Point from Saratoga County, New York.
The letter is written to Judge Reuben Hyde Walworth, a fellow legal and political luminary, and provides a detailed look into the procedures and limitations of West Point admissions during the John Quincy Adams administration.
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FULL TRANSCRIPTION:
Washington
6th January 1827
My Dear Sir,
I duly received your letter of the twenty-first of the last month; and I have since given to the subject of your request all the attention in my power.
The papers are all in the hands of the secretary of war; but no positive answer has yet been given. But I apprehend that the answer when it shall be given, will be, that no cadet can be appointed from Saratoga this year, because the county now has a cadet. I learn that New York is entitled to no more than four or five cadets for the present year; and those, the secretary says, must be assigned to districts which now have none. This is all the information which I am at present able to give you.
Judge Walworth.
With great respect and esteem, I am Dear Sir,
Yours truly,
Nathan Sanford
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About Nathan Sanford (1777–1838):
U.S. Senator from New York (1815–1821, 1826–1831)
Chancellor of New York (1823–1826), presiding over the state\'s Court of Chancery
U.S. Attorney for the District of New York (1803–1815)
Served as President pro tempore of the U.S. Senate in 1820
Regent of the University of the State of New York
Presidential Elector in 1826, casting his vote for John Quincy Adams
Instrumental in shaping early American legal and military structures
Sanford was a key ally of Adams-era National Republicans and supported internal improvements, education, and military development. His judicial legacy in equity law influenced New York’s legal system, and his involvement in West Point appointments speaks to his role in shaping military leadership.
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Letter Details:
Date: January 6, 1827
Recipient: Judge Reuben H. Walworth
Signed: Nathan Sanford
Subject: Appointment of cadets to West Point
Dimensions: Approx. 8\" x 10\"
Condition: Excellent for its age, with original folds and crisp, legible ink
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Ideal for Collectors of:
Early American political and legal history
West Point and military academy memorabilia
Autographs and letters from U.S. Senators or federal figures
19th-century education and military correspondence
This piece offers both historical depth and collectible value, presenting a firsthand look at the inner workings of early 19th-century American governance and military structure.
Ships safely with archival protection.
Buy with confidence—100% authentic historical manuscript.
