Adams, John Quincy | Autograph manuscript signed of John Quincy Adams's resolution rescinding the notorious "Gag Rule"

Adams, John Quincy

Autograph manuscript signed ("John Quincy Adams") as a Representative from Massachusetts, transcribing his House resolution rescinding the "Gag rule"

One page (182 x 184 mm, sight); fold separations, a couple short internal tears, abrasion at upper left obscuring few letters. Matted, framed, and glazed with an engraved portrait of Adams.

John Quincy Adams commemorates the signal achievement of his post-presidential congressional tenure. From 1836 to 1844, the House of Representatives forbade the raising, consideration, or discussion of the subject of slavery. One of the consequences of this resolution was that any petitions relating to slavery—and some 130,000 petitions seeking the abolition of slavery were sent to Congress in 1837 and 1838—were "tabled" by the House without their being heard. 

Adams considered the "Gag Rule" a violation of the Constitution, of the rules of the House of Representatives, and of the rights of his constituents. He fought staunchly against the decree for four congresses before finally mustering a coalition of Northern and Southern Whigs and Northern Democrats that was able to repeal this resolution. He here writes out in his tremulous hand the resolution he introduced on 3 December 1844 to rescind the infamous "Gag Rule" and reports that his resolution "was on the same day adopted by yeas and nays 108 to 80."

PROVENANCE

Christie's New York, 18 December 2018, lot 127 (Property from a Private California Collection)