A 1p autograph letter signed by former 10th U.S. President John Tyler (1790-1862), as "John Tyler" near center right. The signature is large, measuring 2" x .75" including the underline paraph. October 19, 1853. N.p. but probably Sherwood Forest, Tyler's plantation in Charles City County, Virginia on the James River. On pale blue laid paper, formerly bifold. Expected wear including flattened transmittal folds; two vertical folds bisect Tyler's signature. Isolated tiny breaks along horizontal folds at top and bottom not affecting the main text or Tyler's signature. Else near fine. 7.75" x 10."

Ex-President Tyler wrote this courteous yet ironic message to an autograph collector named David O. Ranlett, who had harassed Tyler numerous times previously. In part: "Dear Sir: You will be pleased to accept this as my autograph in compliance with your repeated applications…"

John Tyler was duly inaugurated as president following the death of his running mate William Henry Harrison, and eventually served a nearly complete term from 1841-1845. Tyler self-identified with many strict constructionists and states’ rights Southerners, alliances which deepened sectionalism prior to the Civil War. On the eve of the Civil War, in February 1861, Tyler rejected the resolutions of the Washington Peace Conference. He was elected to the Provincial Congress of the Confederate States of America in June 1861, and served in the Confederate Congress from August 1861 until his death in February 1862.

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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