New Historical Document Discoveries

The process of historical discovery is ongoing, both in America and abroad. Many historical treasures lie buried in basements, in the archives of families, or elsewhere. Our job is to find these documents and give them life, identify their historical importance and make sure they  can be passed down to the next generation by finding them homes with collectors or with institutions.  This page will highlight a recent historical discovery by bringing to you a piece that has not before been seen by the public.  This can often be a piece of history hidden in a family vault.  Among the families we’ve worked with are those of Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Thomas Jefferson, Dwight D. Eisenhower, F. Scott Fitzgerald, James Knox Polk, Andrew Jackson, several prominent Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, and many others.

Historical Discovery: An unpublished letter from Andrew Jackson to his niece, written after his 2nd term election, and spelling out his motivations as president.

Recently, the descendants of Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel Donelson Jackson decided to sell a family treasure, a letter that had been passed down in the family for generations.  It was personal, written to his niece and dealing with matters political and personal.  Not only was it personal, it was historical.  It dealt with Henry Clay’s political platform and with nullification, and showcased Jackson’s attitude toward both.  And it was a very uncommon demonstration of Jackson’s modus operandi. It showed that Jackson saw his roll as being to return the administration to the Founders’ intent. The letter remained attached to its free frank.  This historical discovery was not simply a piece of history to come out of a family, nor was it simply a document that had been unpublished. It helps us better understand Jackson behind the curtains of his offices, how he communicated with his closest family members.  Visit the document page by clicking below: