Lot 110
Johnson, Andrew (1808-75) 17th President of the United States (1865-69). Partly-printed Document Signed as President, one page, 10" x 8", Washington, 25 Jan. 1868. Fine. The document reads: "I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a power authorizing William H. Seward to conclude an additional article to the Treaty between the United States and Russia of the 6/18 December 1832 dated this day, and signed by me and for so doing this shall be his warrant."
The Monroe Doctrine, issued in 1823 by President James Monroe, had been prompted by concern that Russia might try to expand its claims in Alaska to include the Oregon territory and that Spain might try to reclaim her former colonies in Latin America. From that time, Russia ceased from attempts to increase her influence on the Pacific coast.and regarded Alaska as a possession difficult to defend and of little value. A Treaty on Trade and Navigation was signed between the North American States and Russia on December 6, 1832 and most favored nations status was established in bilateral trade between the two countries.
On March 30, 1867, the United States reached an agreement to purchase Alaska from Russia for a price of $7.2 million (less than 2 cents an acre). The Treaty was negotiated and signed by Secretary of State William H. Seward and Russian Minister to the United States Edouard de Stoeckl. Although the purchase was called "Seward's Folly" and "Seward's Icebox," the Senate ratified the Treaty with Russia on April 9, 1867 by a vote of 37 to 2; however, the appropriation of money needed for the purchase was delayed for over a year because of opposition in the House of Representatives. The appropriation was finally approved by the House on July 14, 1868, by a vote of 113 to 48. When gold was discovered in the Klondike in 1896, opposition to the purchase subsided.
Next to the Louisiana Purchase, the purchase of Alaska ranks as the most historic land acquisition ever made by the United States.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 15,000.
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| Realized $11,500 |
