Autograph Letter Signed by FRELINGHUYSEN, Theodore (1787-1862)

This New Jersey politico served the U.S. Senate from that state from 1829 to 1835 and as mayor of Newark (1837-38) before being chosen the Whig vice presidential candidate in 1844 as Henry Clay's running mate; he served as second president of New York University (1839-50) and as seventh president of Rutgers University (1850-62). ALS, 1p + integral address leaf, 7 3/4" X 9 3/4", Newark, NJ, 1 June 1833. Addressed to Reverend Dr. James Richards (1767-1843, well known Presbyterian clergyman and theologian). Very good. Age toned about the edges, with integral address leaf (addressed in his hand and bearing second, free-frank signature) heavily age toned. Frelinghuysen asks this clergyman whom he greatly respects for "your friendly, christian counsel... a suggestion has been before me, from the Am[erica]n Bible Soc[iet]y looking to my connexion with that Institution, as one of its Secretaries. The proposition contemplates for the present, my continuance in Senate -- & the employment of the residue of my time, for the Society." He goes on at flowery length to justify his asking this favor of the clergyman, closing with: "I hope that my desire is, to be guided by the Lord in the right path & to be so assisted as shall most advance His kingdom. Please favor me with your views at your convenience...." Boldly penned in brown ink and fairly legible.