109

President backs investment proposal to help a friend

Andrew Jackson

Letter Signed, as President, to merchant Robert Oliver ("Dear Sir"),

introducing land speculator and friend John Christmas McLemore, describing the terms of an investment proposition, and attesting to the accuracy and security of the proposition details and to the trustworthy character of McLemore. 3½ pages, 4to, written on a folded sheet; remnants of mounting at upper and lower right corners of terminal page (not affecting signature).

Washington, 27 September 1830.

  • Notes: "Allow me the liberty of introducing to your acquaintance my friend Mr. John C McLemore of Nashville . . . . [H]e has accumulated a large estate. On account however of the vast quantity of lands now in the western market he is unable to convert his into money without unreasonable sacrifices . . . . [H]e has lately sold about $25,000 worth of his lands payable in Five years, the notes for which he holds and is desirous of cashing . . . . Independent of the solvency of the notes which is unquestionable, he is willing to endorse them, guarantying their payment at such time after they become due . . . he in the mean time paying the interest annually upon the sum he may obtain. As collateral security he is besides willing to execute a mortgage on property in the Town of Nashville which he has caused to be valued . . . to an amount greater than that of the money he wishes to obtain. . . .
    "I have no hesitation, Sir, in assuring you, that you can safely invest your money on the security offered by Mr. McLemore . . . .
    "Understanding that your resources and capital are not unfrequently employed in operations of this character, I take a pleasure, Sir, in submitting the propositions of Mr. McLemore to your consideration. There is not a better man in the world . . . ."
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