Lot 11
John Tyler, 1790-1862, 10th President of the United States 1841-45. Autograph free frank "J Tyler" at top right of cover to Richmond Va., blue "Norfolk Va. Apr 13" cds and matching "Steamboat" handstamp, with original contents dated 1861 written by Tyler's wife; cover with pen "Supposed to be the autograph of the ex-Pres. Tyler" and with same ink circling the frank, small tear at left, Fine usage at the start of the Civil War.Estimate $1,500 - 2,000.
JOHN TYLER FRANKS A LETTER OF "NANNIE TYLER" ON THE EVE OF THE CIVIL WAR, APRIL 9, 1861, "THE LEGISLATURE HAS ADJOURNED AND IT IS THOUGHT THE CONVENTION WILL SOON; AND WHAT WILL VIRGINIA DO? WE ARE IN A TERRIBLE FIX I THINK.".
Tyler was a Congressman, Governor of Virginia, and Senator. Elected Vice President under Harrison, he became President after only one month. His term was marked by frequent clashes with Whigs led by Henry Clay. He approved the Webster-Ashburton Treaty, which clearly defined the American and Canadian boundary, and signed the measure annexing Texas. He was expelled from his party and denied renomination. In 1861, he was elected to the Confederate House of Representatives, becoming the only President to renounce his American citizenship.