Description:

Andrew Johnson
Washington, DC, February 9, 1851
Andrew Johnson ALS During Tense Congressional Campaign "it is time to dispose of this fellow"
ALS

A lengthy autograph letter signed from Andrew Johnson to his close friend and confidante, Sam Milligan, written in the throes of his hotly-contested race to maintain his seat in Congress. 8pp on four sheets, measuring 7.75" x 9.75", Washington, D.C., dated February 9, 1851. Signed "Andrew Johnson" and marked "Confidential" at the top of the first page. Johnson angrily discusses his rival, Landon Carter Haynes, and the upcoming campaign. The letter is housed in a marbled custom case. Scattered light toning and soiling. Slightly rough ages with minor paper loss, not affecting any text. Mounting tape and residue at the edges. Boldly penned and signed.

In part:

"…I have read your letter carefully and think I have comprehended the whole matter as you do…There is nothing that Mr. Haynes and the clique he is connected with could do that would surprise me in the slightest degree for I consider them capable of condescending to any kind of means that would enable them to attain their end fair or foul. By the same mail I received several letters from Hawking Co. all of much of the same tenor of yours, manifesting much interest and giving unsaid encouragement so far as the people are concerned, all assuring me that a large majority of the democracy are decidedly for me… Col. Moore wrote to me on some business and alluded to politics incidentally…In reply to Col. Moore, I wrote somewhat a long letter, much of which was not very flattering to Mr. Haynes…I told Col. M. that I desire to be a candidate again that I wish to occupy my present position till after the next presidential election; but should as I ever and had been be controlled by a majority of the democracy in the district that I had no disposition to set up and run nolens volens and subject myself to defeat and a loss of the little reputation I have been trying so long to make…If Col. M. has been making any impression in the letter I will have the whole of it published. I wrote the letter to have a certain effect and I am still inclined to think it will do it…

…From the letters I have received within the last week from Hawkins Co. from whigs as well as democrats he can be beat to death in that Co. and especially if there should be no whig candidate…Mr. Haynes…is made to believe by some of the whigs that they will not run a candidate and that the contest will be between him and myself and that he will obtain their support…Whigs shall never use me, but if they have votes to throw away on someone they had as well he picked up by me as anyone else. I care nothing about his little R.R. coalition, for in a short time it will all turn to ashes on his lips. If he believes in what he has been doing why abandon the project when it is in the greatest need of his aid… Why not stand by it and go through the Legislature with it and see that it succeeds! Often he has made all the money of it he can, does he wish to abandon it…Milligan, now it is time to dispose of this fellow if it is done now in a proper manner he will be out of the way hereafter. Whether I succeed or no, I desire the district to be rid of him…'Delanda est Carthago' he must be defeated. He is not intitled [sic]to the confidence of the people, the honor of the station nor the immoluments [sic] of the office…[I] will go into the fight in good earnest… In a single contest I think I can beat him easily and am more than willing to try…"

In 1851, a large faction of Tennessee Democrats, displeased with Andrew Johnson's performance in Congress, convinced Landon Carter Haynes to run against him for his seat in the general election. Indeed, this proved to be one of Johnson's toughest campaigns as he and Haynes engaged in fierce debates on topics ranging from Johnson's alleged opposition to railroad construction to Haynes having voted for Whig governor. Johnson's mis-ordering of the phrase "Carthago delanda est" (Carthage must be destroyed) only serves to underline his anger at his constituents' apparent betrayal and set the tone for his entire, fractious campaign. Although Johnson ultimately prevailed on the platform of his Homestead Bill, he did so by a margin of only 1,600 votes.

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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  • Dimensions: 7.75" x 9.75"
  • Medium: ALS

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