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Andrew Johnson and U. S. Grant

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:2,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Andrew Johnson and U. S. Grant

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Auction Date:2012 Aug 15 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : 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.

In August of 1867, Andrew Johnson challenged the Tenure of Office Act by suspending Secretary of War Edwin Stanton without the approval of Senate and replacing him with the most popular man in the country, U. S. Grant. Uncomfortable with taking the position but wishing to appear loyal to his Commander-in-Chief, Grant reluctantly took the job. When the Senate reinstated Stanton, Johnson requested Grant refuse to surrender the office, but Grant wisely stepped aside. This move enabled him to distance himself from the hated President during the impeachment proceedings and maintain the popularity that would help him secure his position as the next president. This document, signed by Johnson shortly before his impeachment and Grant during his brief role as ad interim Secretary of War, captures a dramatic and volatile time in two presidents’ careers.
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