Andrew Jackson Letter Signed as President

A 2pp letter signed by 7th U.S. President Andrew Jackson (1767-1845) as “Andrew Jackson”, 7.5" x 9", Washington, July 1, 1834. Penned in the hand of Jackson’s nephew and private secretary Andrew Jackson Donelson (1799-1871), himself a vice presidential candidate in 1856. Scattered notations from a previous collector. Once separated, the leaves have been professionally rejoined, and a vertical repair passes through the end of Jackson’s signature that extends onto the third page. Expected light wear, folds with minor show-through, in otherwise near fine condition. Accompanied by an engraving of Andrew Jackson.

The president responds to an invitation from a Pennsylvania Democratic committee’s Fourth of July celebration, in full, “I have your polite note of the 20th ulto. On behalf of the Democratic citizens of the first congressional District of Pennsylvania, inviting me to participate with them in the celebration of the anniversary of our Independence. It being out of my power to unite with you on this occasion except in the indulgence of those sentiments of joy and gratitude which it is so well calculated to inspire, I can only tender you my thanks for the honor conferred upon me by the invitation. / In compliance with your request I offer the following toast. / The State of Pennsylvania – she has been called the Key stone of the Union. Well has she proved herself to be so."

Prior to his presidency, Jackson held several public offices, representing the people of Tennessee in the House of Representatives and the Senate before being appointed a judge in state superior court. With the War of 1812, Jackson became a major general of the Tennessee militia. Later, as commander of the southern district, he invaded Florida, which led to the U.S. seizure of the Spanish-owned territory. This victory bolstered Jackson’s popular support and played no small role in his 1828 election to the presidency. Jackson’s tenure ushered in the so-called era of Jacksonian Democracy, and with Pennsylvania’s ongoing support, he was reelected in 1832.

In March 1834, Henry Clay’s Whig-controlled Senate censured the president following his attempt to dismantle the Bank of the United States. Pennsylvania’s Senators, Jackson supporters, included William Wilkins, who had resigned to become U.S. Minister to Russia, the day before our letter was written. Wilkins’ seat remained vacant until the end of the year when future president and Jacksonian Democrat, James Buchanan was elected to fill it. Our letter was written several months before the 1834 midterm elections that pitted Jacksonian Democrats against National Republican Party and Whig Party candidates, which left the Democrats retaining a majority in the House. After serving two terms, Jackson left office in 1837, far more popular than when he entered; his censure was expunged when Democrats regained Senate control in 1837.

Rachel Jackson (1767-1828) was the wife of President Jackson and the aunt of Andrew Jackson Donelson. Following the death of Donelson's father and his mother’s remarriage, the younger Donelson moved into the Hermitage with his aunt and uncle, where he served as Jackson’s private secretary. Prominent in Democratic politics, Donelson was instrumental in the 1845 annexation of Texas and served as Minister to Prussia before his vice-presidential bid on Millard Fillmore’s ticket.

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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