TYLER, John (1790-1862). Autograph note signed (“J Tyler”) declining a New Year’s dinner invitation from President James Madison, 1 January 1817. One-page, small 4to (248 x 203 mm), addressed on integral leaf, folded, small paper loss from wax seal; laid into a folding morocco box. “HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT”. As a fellow Virginian in the limited society of Washington, it would only be customary that Tyler would be invited to events at the White House under President Madison (1751-1836). The note reads: “J Tyler regrets, that owing to a previous engagement, he can-not accept the President’s invitation to Dinner tomorrow. Jany. 1st, 1817.” Addressed, “His Excellency the President”. Tyler was at this time serving in the U.S. House of Representatives at the young age of 27; he would go on to be elected governor of Virginia, serve in the U.S. Senate, and eventually be elected Vice President, only to become the 10th President of the United States by default in 1841 when President William H. Harrison died unexpectedly. Madison’s party took place a few months before he left the White House. “Soon after the Tyler’s marriage, the War of 1812 broke out with England. Tyler, who supported the conflict, headed a small militia company but saw no action. Soon after the war’s end, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives. With his elite background, Tyler quickly became a Washington insider, frequenting First Lady Dolly Madison’s parties. Madison’s soirees, however, had to be held at the Octagon, a temporary residence, because the White House had been burned by British troops during the war” (Freehling, University of Virginia Miller Center, John Tyler: Life Before the Presidency).