Description:

Andrew Johnson
n.p., ca. December 17, 1859
Andrew Johnson Thrice Signed Mexican Gov't Treaty Document
DS

Andrew Johnson (1808-1875). Document Signed three times by Johnson as "Andrew Johnson," "Johnson the Just," and "Andrew." 2pp, on the recto and verso of one sheet measuring 7.75" x 9.25". No place, ca. December 17, 1859. Johnson also added inscriptions along the top and in between the margins of the document as "J Johnson," "James C. Jones," "James C. Jones of Tennessee," and "Tennessee some seen me." Expected folds and creases. Unevenly cut top and left edges. Minor tearing with two small areas of loss at right margin, not affecting text. Some ink splatter/smudging to lower blank margin. Weathering, soiling, and toning. Professional repairs throughout. Overall, in good condition. A remarkable document covered in doodles some six years before Johnson, then a Tennessee Senator, would succeed Lincoln as 17th U.S. President.

One can almost imagine Johnson doodling in these margins during an especially tedious Senate session. Johnson signed not only his own name and inscribed that of his adopted state, but other names appear in his hand as well. The name of recently deceased Tennessee Senator James C. Jones (1809-1859) appears at center, as does that of "J. Johnson," possibly his father Jacob Johnson (1778-1812), at top right.

Johnson's blank canvas was a December 17, 1859 document entitled "Protest of the Mexican Government against the Treaty Negotiated by the Juarez Faction at Vera Cruz." This open letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Lewis Cass was undersigned in print by Octaviano Munoz Ledo, the Conservative Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, who condemned the Treaty of McLane-Ocampo recently signed at Vera Cruz by representatives from the United States and the competing Mexican Liberal faction. Among many things, Ledo questioned America's recognition of an alternative government made up of individuals he characterized as revolutionary anarchists.

Johnson had humble beginnings as a self-educated tailor in Tennessee. He distinguished himself early on by his fine public speaking abilities. After gaining experience in the Tennessee Congress, Johnson served in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1843 and 1853, as the 15th Governor of Tennessee between 1853 and 1857, as U.S. Senator between 1857-1862, and later as the state's military governor between 1862 and 1865. Johnson served as a Tennessee Senator again after his single disastrous presidential term.

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 9.25"
  • Medium: DS

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