One-page handwritten letter, dated May 27, 1828, signed by John Quincy Adams, sixth President of the United States. In his letter, written to "Samuel L. Southard, acting Secretary of War," Adams directs Southard to order newly appointed General of the Army Brevet Major General Alexander Macomb to "assume the command of the army and take the station which was occupied by Major General Brown at the time of his decease... and specially commanding all officers and soldiers of the army to obey and respect him accordingly." Signed "John Quincy Adams." Both the text and signature are scripted in black ink and grade 8/10 overall. Alexander Macomb became Commanding General of the United States Army on May 29, 1828, following the death of his predecessor, Major General Jacob Brown, three months earlier. Samuel Southard was Secretary of the Navy under both James Madison and John Quincy Adams, but, as we see here, he also served as the acting Secretary of War briefly between the terms of James Barbour and Peter Buell Porter. 1928 marked John Quincy Adams' final full year as President. The letter (7.5x5.5"; visible dimensions) displays one horizontal and two vertical folds lines. There is writing on the reverse of the letter, with some of the text barely visible from the front, but it is not decipherable. In apparent Excellent condition overall. Matted and framed together with an engraving of Adams. Total dimensions: 20x13". Full LOA from PSA.