Books and Manuscripts

No place, ca. 1829-45. Autograph envelope with an affixed cut signature at bottom, by Andrew Jackson, likely when President of the United States, to Tennessee Congressman Cave Johnson. Mounted envelope fragment with affixed strip, 2 7/8 x 4 5/8 in. (73 x 117 mm). In mat with an engraved portrait of Jackson, and in frame, 21 x 15 1/4 in. (533 x 387 mm).

Cave Johnson (1793-1866) was a prominent Jacksonian Democrat and four-term Congressman from Tennessee (1829-37, 1839-45). During James K. Polk's presidency he served as the 12th Postmaster General and modernized the postal service system in the United States. During his tenure he implemented many reforms that are still in use today, including the introduction of the postage stamp and collection mailboxes.

A nice association piece of American postal history.