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. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
Buy a third-party letter of authenticity for
$100.00
*This item has been pre-certified by a trusted third-party authentication service, and by placing a bid on this item, you agree to accept the opinion of this authentication service. If you wish to have an opinion rendered by a different authenticator of your choosing, you must do so prior to your placing of any bid. RR Auction is not responsible for differing opinions submitted 30 days after the date of the sale.
We use cookies on this site to improve your experience. By using this site, you accept our use of cookies. To learn more, please see our Privacy Policy.
