Autographs
1851 Exceptional “Andrew Johnson” Political Content Autograph Letter Signed Discussing Campaign Strategies for the Democratic Party in the Upcoming 1852 Presidential Election
ANDREW JOHNSON (1808-1875). 17th President of the United States (1865-1869), became President as Vice President at the time of the Assassination of Abraham Lincoln.
December 26, 1851-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, “Andrew Johnson,” 4 pages, measuring 8” x 9.75” at Washington City (DC), Choice Very Fine. Here, Andrew Johnson, while serving in the U.S. Congress for the State of Tennessee, writes to former Tennessee Senator Alfred O. P. Nicholson, with his personal strategy for the upcoming 1852 election. Neatly separated along the vertical fold and some fine separations along horizontal fold edges. Scattered fine spotting. Here, Andrew Johnson writes, in part:

“Friend Nicholson, ---- Would it not be best for our State convention while in session to lay down a platform for the democracy and recommend its adoption to the National convention. If we would lay down some principles that were broad and unmistakably democratic in their tendency, the state and the nation could be carried in the next contest without any kind of doubt. Our creed should be laid down with distinctness and then go for the man that is best calculated to carry them out. The old issues have all had their day and have passed away. It seems to me that now is the most favorable time to lay down a creed disconnected as much as possible with those old dividing lines, that would be acceptable to all who are democrats in fact. Parties are breaking up in Tennessee as they are throughout the nation and now is the time to go forward with measures that the opponents of popular government dare not oppose before the people. A party cannot be successful and have nothing to do. It will not do merely to tell the people we have done much for the country already and stop there. There must be something still ahead to be accomplished and it is just as easy to lead the public mind as it is to follow it. Then let us be what pretend to be and commence the work in good faith of popularizing all our institutions. Let Tennessee lead in the great move of making this a government of the people in fact ... And as a beginning of a new platform, I will call your attention to the inclosed resolution, proposing three amendments to the Constitution of the U.S ... these three propositions will do for the whole nation N (North) & S (South). The election of Senators by the people will suit the times in Tennessee at this period well. The election of a president by the people is good Jackson doctrine. The fourth plank should be a strict adherence to the compromise (Compromise of 1850) as passed by the last Congress. The fifth should be the 'Homestead' policy. Sixth Distribution of all officers appointed by the President and heads of department among the states according to their federal Representation. Seventh - that labor must be made respectable and the mechanics and farmers must be made the aristocracy of the country, if we have one at all. I am not a going to make any argument in general or in detail upon these seven propositions and especially on paper to show you their bearing. They are democratic in all their relations and will do at the North as well as at the South ... For if we do not do something of this kind the Whigs will take lead of us in these popular measures ... From all that I see and learn, the Whigs will make a case of my district -- my garments are to be divided. This matters but little for my political career is run which will enable me more effectually to serve some of my friends and pay off many obligations of that kind. Write to me soon. --- Your friend --- (Signed) Andrew Johnson”.

In 1852, Johnson managed to get the U.S. House of Representives to pass his Homestead Bill, but it failed in the Senate. The Whigs had gained control of the Tennessee legislature, and, under the leadership of Gustavus Henry, redrew the boundaries of Johnson's First District to make it a safe seat for their party. Despite his lack of optimism for his political future, Andrew Johnson was eventually convinced by his friends to run for Governor of Tennessee, winning that position in 1853. This superb content Political Letter is boldly written in deep brown, being easily readable upon period wove paper. At its conclusion the signature, “Andrew Johnson” measures 2.75” long having a sharp appearance.