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82

Andrew Johnson and U. S. Grant

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:3,000.00 - 3,500.00 USD
Andrew Johnson and U. S. Grant

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Auction Date:2011 Dec 07 @ 18:00 (UTC-05:00 : EST/CDT)
Location:5 Rt 101A Suite 5, Amherst, New Hampshire, 03031, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
Handwritten endorsement, as president, “Referred to the Hon. Secretary of War ad interim—who will confer the brevet within applied for, Andrew Johnson, Oct. 21,1867,” and endorsement in another hand, October 23, 1867, reading “The brevet ordered should be for faithful and meritorious service during the war,” and signed by Grant, “U.S. Grant,” on the blank integral second page of an ALS written to Johnson by Captain Joseph A Hearn asking for a promotion. The letter, on a 7.75 x 10 lightly-lined sheet, reads in part: “I have the honor…to ask for the appointment of Brvt. Major in the army if your excellency thinks I am worthy of it. I enclose my military history…up to the present time showing the various duties I performed during the late rebellion and recommendations from officers of the army whom I served under as an enlisted man showing my conduct and capacity as such.”

The reverse of the second page bears docketing information and an endorsement by assistant adjunct general of the army J. C. Kelton forwarding the letter to Grant whom he addresses as “the General of the Army.” Also endorsed by Medal of Honor recipient Galusha Pennypacker, the youngest general in the Civil War, dated October 11, 1867, in part: “There is no more reliable or hard-working officer than Capt. Hearn in the service. He is eminently deserving of the small favor he asks, by reason of the long continued meritorious and faithful service.” Johnson’s endorsement is located under Pennypacker’s, and Grant’s endorsement appears at the top of the reverse of the page. In fine condition, with a partial separation along hinge, and some scattered mild toning and soiling.

Andrew Johnson never enjoyed popularity as president. After being sworn into office, he alienated himself from Republicans and other northerners by taking a soft line with Confederates and supporting Black Codes in the south. He also made enemies with the popular Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton. When he tried to rid himself of Stanton and align himself with the popular Grant by making him ad interim Secretary of War, radical Republicans initiated impeachment proceedings against Johnson citing his violation of the Tenure of Office Act, which had been passed to prevent Johnson from firing Stanton. It was against this backdrop that this document was written.

Here, what should have been a simple request for a much deserved promotion turns into a demonstration of positioning and posturing. Hearn's request is submitted to Johnson, whom he addresses as "your excellency," and is supported strongly by his direct commander, Pennypacker. Johnson accepts Pennybacker's recommendation and refers the request to Grant whom he addresses by the title "Secretary of War ad interim," stubbornly maintaining his right to replace Stanton with Grant. Kelton then sent the letter to Grant, using his military rather than cabinet title, “General of the Army," not acknowledging Grant's recent promotion. For his part, Grant reflects his lack of enthusiasm for the position he reluctantly accepted by signing the order as “General” rather than as secretary of war.

A behind-the-scenes moment during Johnson's impeachment, showing Grant’s resistance to align with Johnson, a move that would help him maintain the popularity that would land him in the White House.
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