Johnson Andrew

Andrew Johnson 5+x Signed Document, with JSA Letter of Authenticity!


A remarkable document covered in presidential doodles some six years before Andrew Johnson (1808-1875), then a Tennessee Senator, would succeed Lincoln as 17th U.S. President.


The 2pp printed pamphlet was signed more than 5 times by Johnson as "Andrew Johnson," "Andrew Johnson," "Andrew," "Johnson," and "Johnson the Just" (is this last a foreshadowing of his more ambitious political aspirations?) Other inscriptions include "James C. Jones of Tennessee" and "Tennessee some some me [?]." Johnson signed and inscribed his way along the top and in between the margins of the document. The bifold support is in good condition, with expected weathering, minor closed tears, and professional repairs throughout. With a blank third and fourth page. 7.75" x 9.75". Comes with a JSA Letter of Authenticity dated July 26, 2018, and signed by company president James J. Spence, Jr.


One can almost imagine Johnson doodling in these margins during an especially tedious Senate session. Johnson signed not only his own name and inscribed that of his adopted state, but other names appear in his hand as well. The name of recently deceased Tennessee Senator (and Johnson predecessor) James C. Jones (1809-1859) appears at center, as does that of "J. Johnson," possibly his father Jacob Johnson (1778-1812), at top right.


Johnson's blank canvas was a December 17, 1859 document entitled "Protest of the Mexican Government against the Treaty Negotiated by the Juarez Faction at Vera Cruz." This open letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of State Lewis Cass was undersigned in print by Octaviano Munoz Ledo, the Conservative Mexican Minister of Foreign Relations, who condemned the Treaty of McLane-Ocampo recently signed at Vera Cruz by representatives from the United States and the competing Mexican Liberal faction. Among many things, Ledo questioned America's recognition of an alternative government made up of individuals he characterized as revolutionary anarchists.


Johnson had humble beginnings as a self-educated tailor in Tennessee. He distinguished himself early on by his fine public speaking abilities. After gaining experience in the Tennessee Congress, Johnson served in the U.S. House of Representatives between 1843 and 1853, as the 15th Governor of Tennessee between 1853 and 1857, as U.S. Senator between 1857-1862, and later as the state's military governor between 1862 and 1865. Johnson served as a Tennessee Senator again after his single disastrous presidential term.


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