The Last Will and Testament of Diplomat, Secretary of War and Treasury, and Presidential Adviser William H. Crawford

Acquired from the direct descendants of Crawford and has never been offered for sale previously

William H. Crawford was U.S. ambassador to France during the negotiations to end the War of 1812. During the those negotiations, he was responsible for superintending the American consuls in Europe and keeping them informed of developments. He was also an important negotiator from a distance. He was called home and appointed Secretary of War by President James Madison on August 1, 1815, succeeding James Monroe. Crawford served in the post about a year, and was then named Secretary of the Treasury. When Monroe entered the White House, he continued Crawford in office, and Crawford remained at Treasury until the end of Monroe’s administration.  Monroe’s term as Secretary of War was short but consequential. He presided over the military standing down after years of bitter conflict and also put reform at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point at the top of his agenda.

Crawford’s career was long and storied, and he knew many of the great men in the early decades of American government under the Constitution.  Later in life, Crawford suffered a stroke that likely cut short his life.  It certainly changed his political fortunes, as many people think he would have gone on to the Presidency had his mind not been diminished.

Document signed, no date, but likely 1830s, 6 pages, signed by Crawford and his 3 witnesses. “In the name of God amen, I, William H. Crawford, being of sound mind and disposing memory, do make and ordain this my last will and testament.  My will and desire the my remains may be committed to the dust according to the custom of the country not doubting that the great author of nature will dispose of my future existence according to the principles of his eternal justice and peace.”  He leaves his possessions to his wife and then to his children, once they are of age.  He instructs that “all my children shall receive the best education which their property will give them…”  He goes on to list debts he owes and debts owed to him, and assigns his executors.

This unpublished document was acquired from the direct descendants of Crawford and has never been previously offered for sale.