Lot #61

Andrew Johnson

Description

As the purchase of Alaska reaches completion, Johnson authorizes Seward (with congratulations) to send a letter to Czar Alexander

Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8.25 x 8, March 4, 1868. Johnson authorizes the “Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of my letter to the Emperor of Russia (congratulations).” Signed at the conclusion in ink by Johnson. Rough trimmed edges and edge tears, several horizontal folds, light uniform overall toning from previous display, and several small areas of toning from old tape, otherwise very good condition.

This document incorporates all the players involved in the 1867 purchase of Alaska—“Seward’s Folly”—including president Andrew Johnson, Secretary of State William H. Seward, and of course, Czar Alexander II of Russia! The Senate had ratified the treaty on April 9, 1867, by a vote of 37-2, however the appropriation of money needed to purchase Alaska was delayed by more than a year due to opposition in the House of Representatives. On March 3, 1868, the day before this document was drafted, Senator Charles Sumner of Massachusetts had publicly praised the treaty, identifying the wealth of natural resources including the forests, fisheries, and animals. The House finally approved the appropriation in July 1868, by a vote of 113-48. The day after sending this to Russian authorities, the US Senate was organized into a court of impeachment following charges that Johnson had violated the Tenure of Office Act. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #353 - Ended January 23, 2010

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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