Author: JOHNSON, Andrew
Title: Message of Andrew Johnson, Governor of Tennessee, to Both Houses of the General Assembly, October 6, 1857
Publication: Nashville: G. C. Torbett & Co., Printers, 1857
Edition: First Edition
Description: Softcover. Octavo, 26pp. Per the title page: "7,000 copies ordered to be printed." A fresh, clean, near fine copy in the publisher's printed wraps, with a flattened horizontal crease throughout and very mild dust-soiling to extremities. Quite scarce in commerce, this speech by then-Governor Andrew Johnson discusses at length and in detail various problems facing Tennessee's finances. This was essentially a "farewell" speech, as he became a Senator two days later. He spent the next three years in a state of anxiety as secession drew nearer, being a staunchly pro-Union politician. He held fast, and ultimately became the only sitting US Senator from a Confederate state to remain in office throughout the war (though his term ended in 1862, after which Lincoln appointed him Military Governor of Tennessee). Johnson's pro-Union efforts were, of course, rewarded by Lincoln with the Vice Presidency, but Johnson's actions as President during Reconstruction--essentially giving up on the whole effort--have left modern analysts with a real patchwork legacy to contend with. This pamphlet is genuinely uncommon, with just a handful of library holdings, many of which appear to be digital-only. A significant volume of Tennesseeana. Allen. Near fine.
Seller ID: 10940
Subject: Southern Americana