Description:

James Polk
Washington, DC, ca. 1834
James K. Polk Signed Volume of HoR Documents With Slave Content, Fold out Map, Treaty with Russia, 23rd Congress April-May 1834
Signed Book

A bound, signed volume of Documents from the House of Representatives, 23rd Congress, First session, dating from April 18, 1834 - May 19, 1834. Includes Documents No. 350-440. One of six volumes of the complete set of the Executive Documents produced by the first session of the twenty-third U.S. Congress, during the administration of Andrew Jackson. This volume came from Polk's personal library and is signed "James K. Polk" at the top of the first document. With tables throughout and two fold-out maps intact, one is "Mouth at Elk Creek". In Document 418 we see a discussion on Slavery and how an American slave would be treated if they got off a boat in Chile, which essentially was freedom. Most certainly other sections would reference slavery at this time. A great section in 415 shows a treaty between Russian Czar Nicholas and Andrew Jackson. Bound in brown leather with a red and gilt title label at the spine. Stamped by the Tennessee State Library at the front. Both covers have become detached, but the volume is still soundly bound. Scratches and moderate rubbing and wear to the covers, with chipping to the spine. Light, uneven toning and soiling to the internal pages. Some small tears in places. The signed page has been torn in places but has been professionally repaired. Polk's signature has some light staining around it, but is still bold. Ex. Collection of Steve Forbes.

At the time of signing, Polk was representing the 6th Congressional District of Tennessee, and was yet to be President. In December 1833, after being elected to a fifth consecutive term, Polk, with Jackson's backing, became the chairman of Ways and Means, a powerful position in the House. In that position, Polk supported Jackson's withdrawal of federal funds from the Second Bank. In April 1834, the Ways and Means Committee reported a bill to regulate state deposit banks, which, when passed, enabled Jackson to deposit funds in pet banks, and Polk got legislation passed to allow the sale of the government's stock in the Second Bank. One month after this volume's period of documents, in June 1834, Polk unsuccessfully ran for Speaker of the House against fellow Tennessean John Bell.

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: 5.75" x 9"
  • Medium: Signed Book

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