Description:

Andrew Johnson
Nashville, TN, March 1, 1865
Andrew Johnson Signed Appointment 4 Days Prior to Assuming the Role of VP
DS
A military appointment signed by Andrew Johnson as Military Governor of Tennessee, four days before assuming the role of Vice President. 1p, measuring 14" x 17", Nashville, dated March 1, 1865. Signed "Andrew Johnson" as Governor and "Edward H East" as Secretary of State. Johnson appoints Jacob Leab to First Lieutenant and Adjutant in the 8th Regiment of Cavalry of Tennessee Volunteers. With a yellow paper seal at the lower left corner and docketing at the top left corner. The document has flattened folds and small separations and chipping at the folds. Minor paper loss, with some repairs made with tape on the verso. A 2-inch tear is present at the lower left. Scattered, moderate foxing along the left edge. Minor smudging to Johnson's bold signature.

Andrew Johnson was appointed military governor of Tennessee by President Lincoln in March 1862. In this role, he tried to stamp out any rebel influence in the state, demanding oaths of loyalty from all public officials and shutting down Confederate sympathizing newspapers. During the election of 1864, Lincoln's prior running mate, Hannibal Hamlin, was bypassed in favor of the War Democrat Johnson in order to strengthen the ticket. As Vice President-elect, he had hoped to re-establish civilian government in Tennessee and stay in Nashville, but was told by Lincoln's advisers that he had to be sworn in with Lincoln. Just before his departure, the voters of Tennessee ratified a new constitution, which abolished slavery, on February 22, 1865. One of Johnson's final acts as military governor was to certify the results.

Unfortunately, Johnson's start as Vice President was less than ideal. On the evening of March 3, he attended a party at which he drank heavily. Hung over the following morning at the Capitol, he consumed either three glasses of whisky or one glass of French brandy the morning of the ceremony. In the Senate Chamber, Johnson delivered a rambling address as Lincoln, the Congress, and dignitaries looked on. Witnesses described the speech as hostile, inane, incoherent, repetitive, self-aggrandizing, and sloppy. He kissed the Bible when he took the oath of office, and he was too drunk to administer the oath of office to incoming senators. When he finally meandered to a halt, Hamlin hastily swore him in as vice president. The incident presaged some of Johnson's difficulties when he succeeded to the presidency 42 days later, following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

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: 14" x 17"
  • Medium: DS

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March 12, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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