Description:

Millard Fillmore
n.p., November 9, 1866
Millard Fillmore Signed "Restoration and Peace!" 1866 National Union Celebration at Union Square Pamphlet
Signed pamphlet

A pro-Andrew Johnson pamphlet boldly signed by former 13th U.S. President Millard Fillmore (1800-1874) as "Millard Fillmore / Nov. 9, 1866" at the top of the front cover. N.p. The pamphlet is entitled "Restoration and Peace! National Union Celebration at Union Square, Monday, September 17, 1866, The Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution" (New York: Baptist & Taylor, Book and Job Printers, 1866). Inscribed "Compliments of / Douglas Taylor" in the upper left corner of the front cover; Taylor was Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements. In thread-bound wrappers, the front cover showcasing various titling as well as a wood engraving of two clasped hands crowned by an eagle. The pamphlet includes elaborate descriptions of the festivities - what the stage decorations looked like, what speeches were read, and what patriotic songs were sung. Expected wear including toning and weathering to the covers. A vertical fold affects the front cover but does not touch Fillmore's signature. Some weakening of the bottom binding. Else very good to near fine. 24pp. 5.875" x 8.5" x .125."

"National Union Celebration at Union Square, September 17, 1866. One hundred thousand persons assembled in Union Square, on the evening of the 17th of September, 1866, in response to the following call: peace and reunion! Our country now and forever!! In compliance with the request of the National Union Convention held at Philadelphia the 14th August, 1866, the people of New York who are in favor of the maintenance of the Constitution and an immediate restoration of the Union of the States, who desire to forget the dissensions of the past and restore peace to a distracted country, and who approve the open, manly and patriotic course of Andrew Johnson in opposition to the illegal assumptions and usurpations of a partisan Congress, are requested to assemble in mass meeting at Union Square, on Monday evening, September 17…"

The National Union Celebration at Union Square took place in New York City almost one month to the day after the National Union Convention took place in Philadelphia, from August 14-16, 1866. The August political rally sought to drum up mid-term election support for 17th U.S. President Andrew Johnson, whom fellow Republicans had sharply criticized for his Reconstruction policies. To them, President Johnson seemed overly forgiving of the South.

While Millard Fillmore was unable to personally attend the Union Square meeting in September - he sent a letter of regret instead - his engagement with the National Union movement is very interesting. This is because Fillmore had a complicated track record with the Republican Party of late. Although Fillmore was a Whig for the majority of his political career, he was never a Republican, instead aligning with the Know Nothing and Democratic Parties in the mid- to late-1850s. He did not support Abraham Lincoln for president in either 1860 or 1864. However, Fillmore supported the Union cause once the Civil War began.

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: 5.875" x 8.5" x .125"
  • Medium: Signed pamphlet

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