Rare Original Announcement of the Deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, who played such a key role in the American story in the 18th and 19th centuries, and who helped secure American independence, had a cold, sometimes confrontational personal and political relationship. Once the fires of politics had cooled, Jefferson and Adams each expressed to third parties their respect for the other and their desire to renew their friendship. Adams was the first to break the silence; he sent Jefferson a letter dated January 1, 1812, in which he wished Jefferson many happy new years to come. Jefferson responded with a note in which he fondly recalled when they were fellow laborers in the same cause. The former revolutionaries went on to resume their friendship over 14 years of correspondence during their golden years.  Theirs is a story of reconciliation.

But the story is made more poignant by the circumstances of their passing. On July 4, 1826, at the age of 90, Adams lay on his deathbed while the country celebrated Independence Day. His last words were “Thomas Jefferson still survives.”  He was mistaken: Jefferson had died five hours earlier at Monticello at the age of 82.

An original announcement of the death of both Adams and Jefferson, Niles’s Weekly Register, Baltimore, July 15, 1826. In part: "We had hardly announced the decease of the patriot who drafted the Declaration of Independence when news arrived of the death of his venerable compatriot, who, more than any other man, perhaps, urged the adoption of that famous measure…Thomas Jefferson departed this life between twelve and one o'clock on the 50th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence…" There are various articles on the inside pages including one headed: "Testimonials of Respect to Mr. Jefferson”, which begins: "The President, with deep regret, announces to the army that it has pleased the Disposer of all human events, in whose hands are the issues of life, to remove from the scene of earthly existence our illustrious & venerated fellow citizen, Thomas Jefferson…"  A report from the Navy Department: "The President of the United States, with the deepest solicitude & sympathy, directs that the death of Thomas Jefferson be announced to the navy & the marine corps…he died at Monticello, about one o'clock, on the fiftieth anniversary of the declaration of our national independence.” Then there are Testimonials of Respect to Mr. Adams" which states: "His excellency the governor, having announced to the council that he has this morning received the melancholy intelligence of the decease of the venerable JOHN ADAMS, former president of the United States & one of the 3 last surviving signers of the Declaration of Independence, who departed this life yesterday afternoon at his residence in Quincy…" 16 pages, measuring about 6 1/4 by 10 inches.  Some separation of pages but in good condition.