Andrew Johnson
Washington City, March 14, 1853
Andrew Johnson Superb ALS Re: Navy
ALS

A letter from 17th President Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) as then-Governor of Tennessee, addressed to Secretary of the Navy James C. Dobbin (1814-1857). 1p, measuring 8" x 10", Washington City, dated March 14, 1853. Signed at conclusion as "Andrew Johnson". The letter has been invisibly tipped to a border, mentioned only for accuracy. Exhibits flattened mailing folds with light creasing and minor soiling throughout. Near fine.

In full:
?It is with much pleasure that I recommend to your favorable consideration Mr Thomas Champion, who is now employed as Master Boiler Maker in the Navy and Machinesmith. From what I know of Mr Champion personally and general reputation, I have no hesitation in stating, that he is a practical mechanic in the proper sense of the term - he is a man of industrious habits and entirely trustworthy. He was appointed to his present position in consequence of a vacancy caused by death. Since his appointment I am informed he has given general satisfaction to all and has discharged all the duties pertaining to the position, with advantage to the Government and credit to himself.?

Andrew Johnson was born into poverty and never attended school. He was a tailor by profession and worked in several frontier towns before settling in Greeneville, Tennessee, where he served as alderman and mayor before being elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives in 1835. After briefly serving in the Tennessee Senate, Johnson was elected to the House of Representatives in 1843, where he served five two-year terms. He became governor of Tennessee for four years and was elected by the legislature to the Senate in 1857. On his journey to the Presidency, this self-taught man held nearly every political office available, though he never lost his admiration for those who made a living through manual labor, as evidenced in the here offered letter.

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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8" x 10"