Lot 11
Jackson, Andrew, ALS Dated 1830 Written As President to Secretary of the Treasury, Samuel D. Ingham Regarding a Misconduct Inquiry (1767-1848) The 7th President of the United States has written on stationery, 7¾ x 5", recto and verso to his Secretary of the Treasury dated March 12, 1830, regarding assistance in a misconduct charge of an individual in Western Pennsylvania that "was placed in my hands." Evidently Ingham was furnished with a written defense by the mother and Jackson is requesting the information as to how to proceed. Jackson closes his request, "I am respectfully yours, Andrew Jackson"
Both Jackson and Ingham found themselves drawn into one of the biggest political sex scandals of the 19th Century gaining steam at the time this letter was sent. This involved members of President Andrew Jackson's Cabinet and fueled mostly by their wives (especially by Vice President John Calhoun's wife, Floride) known as The Petticoat Affair. Scandalous rumors of adulterous affairs and claims of prostitution were levied at Secretary of War, John Eaton and his wife; charges Jackson did not support. The scandal got so out of control with cabinet members, taking sides that Eaton challenged Ingham to a duel for not supporting him which he declined to accept. Nevertheless, Eaton then organized a posse to (likely) kill Ingham who had to quickly escape to Baltimore when it became clear Jackson was not going to intervene. Ingham did not return to his Treasury position.
Letter is in fine condition, quite legible and still retains the faint blind embossing in upper left corner of a dove holding a tiny branch inside a circle. There are discrete efforts of conservation and repair including a decades old strip of paper tape on verso to hold in check any splitting along the majory fold line. Tape in no way intrudes on any of Jackson's writing. On facing page a one inch strip of clear tape to hold in check the same fold line that also does not impact any of the text. There is a round stain from the adhesive of a circular sticker on verso, long removed, that caused discoloration through the date, 1830, on facing page. Otherwise a fine manuscript for any level of collector. Estimated Value $4,000 - UP
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| Realized $1,800 |
