Description:

John Tyler ALS as VP, One of Only A Few Known From his 30 Days In That Office

A 1p autograph letter of approximately 50 words signed by John Tyler (1790-1862), then U.S. Vice President and future 10th U.S. President, as "John Tyler" at center. Dated March 15, 1841, n.p. On a single leaf of watermarked stationery paper. Smoothed transmittal folds, and two clerical hole punches located along the left margin. Else near fine. 8" x 10." Accompanied by a handsome engraving of John Tyler after the original oil portrait by Alonzo Chappel, ca. 1863. Protected by a tissue guard. Minor water staining to the right edge, else very good. 8.125" x 10.625."

John Tyler served as Vice President for only 30 days: from his swearing-in on March 4, 1841, to the sudden death of his running mate 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841) on April 4, 1841. Any autograph material dating from this period is thus rare, while correspondence pertaining to official government business like this War Department appointment is even more desirable.

In this letter to an unidentified recipient, presumably sitting U.S. Secretary of War John Bell (1796-1869), Vice President John Tyler recommends the candidacy of one "Mr Pleasants" to an unknown position within the Department of War.

In full:

"I cordially unite with Govr. Gilmer in the wishes he expresses on the opinion entertained by him relative to Mr. Pleasants - If the Secretary of War can meet his views, I am certain that Mr. Pleasants will be an acquisition to the service -

John Tyler
March 15, 1841."

John Bell served as U.S. Secretary of War from March 5 - September 11, 1841, acting during the short-lived Harrison administration and for six months of the Tyler administration.

Thomas Walker Gilmer (1802-1844) served as the Governor of Virginia between late March 1840 and March 20, 1841. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives as a Virginia Congressman, where he served between early Mary 1841 and early March 1843. Gilmer was a trusted friend and confidante of John Tyler. Tyler appointed him U.S. Secretary of the Navy in mid-February 1844. Gilmer served less than two weeks in this cabinet position, however, as he was killed in an artillery explosion aboard the "U.S.S. Princeton" on February 28, 1844.

John Tyler served as 10th U.S. President between April 4, 1841 and March 4, 1845.

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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