Description:

Andrew Jackson
Washington, DC, June 18, 1835
Andrew Jackson Boldly Signed Endorsement Re: American Citizen's Treasonous Activities in France
AES

Andrew Jackson (1767-1845). Endorsement, "approved / Andrew Jackson," boldly signed as president, at the conclusion of a letter to Jackson from Secretary of State John Forsyth (1780-1841). The letter runs 3pp, on watermarked bifold stationery measuring 8" x 12.5", Washington, June 18, 1835. Expected folds and creases with rippling at top and bottom edges. Separations at central vertical fold with adhesive residue and tape reinforcement. Light toning and soiling. Minor ink show-through. Overall, in near fine condition and boldly signed. With full typed transcription. Provenance: Charles Hamilton, 1966.

This official letter, sent to Jackson for approval, concerns the allegations that an American citizen residing in France at the time, was representing himself as an official from the United States. This obviously came to the attention of the American Minister to France, Levett Harris, who is mentioned by Forsyth as being his source for this information.

In full: "To the President of the United States. Department of State, Washington, 18th June, 1835 / I have the honor to present for the examination of the President, three letters received at the Department from Levett Harris, Esquire, dated at Paris, on the 19th, 23rd and 30th of April. The unsolicited communications to the Department by citizens of the United States of fact that may come to their knowledge while residing abroad, likely to be interesting to their country, are always received with pleasure, and carefully preserved in the files of the Government. Even opinions on foreign topics are received with proper respect for the motives and character of those who may choose to express them.

But holding it both improper and dangerous to countenance any of our citizens occupying no public station, in holding confidential communications on our affairs with a foreign government at which we have an accredited agent, upon a subject involving the honor of the country, without the knowledge of such agent, and virtually substituting himself as the channel of communication between that Government and his own, I considered it my duty to invite Mr. Pageot to the Department, to apprise him of the contents of Mr. Harris's letter of the 23rd of April, and at the same time to inform him that he might communicated the fact to the Duke de Broglie that no notice could be taken of Mr. Harris and his communications.

I was satisfied with the assurances Mr. Pageot gave me, that he would immediately state what had occurred to his Government. All which is respectfully submitted, with the hope, if the course pursued is approved by the President, that this report may be filed in this Department with all the letters to which it refers. / John Forsyth."

Secretary Forsyth explains in detail that a certain U.S citizen had been representing himself as an agent of the government in discussions with foreign governments. The "Duke de Broglie" in question was most likely Achille Léonce Victor Charles de Broglie (1785-1870), Prime Minister of France at the time of this missive. Jackson's bold endorsement on the document attests to the serious nature of Mr. Forsyth's concerns.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Provenance: Charles Hamilton, 1966.
  • Dimensions: 8" x 12.5"
  • Artist Name: Andrew Jackson
  • Medium: AES

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