Rare Autographs, Manuscripts and Aviation Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/27/2016
ALS 1page 4to, {Washington},'House Of Res." May 22, 1850. To William M. Lowry in Greenville, Tenn.. Fine condition. A Beleaguered postmaster. In this unpublished letter, Congressman Johnson sheds fresh light on post office politics of the 19th century. While still a senator Johnson was instrumental in winning Lowry appointment as postmaster in the East Tennessee town of Greenville, where Johnson had settled in 1826.Lowry enjoyed his position until the Whigs in 1849 returned to presidential office, meant that his tenure was endangered. By then however Johnson was in the U.S. House to defend the interest of his friend in the Greenville post office. Here is where Johnson writes about his efforts to outwit his Whig enemies:" Since writing you before Mr. Jno Bell[Whig Leader in Tennessee] at the instance of Wm. D. Williams [a Greenville Whig Merchant and political foe of Johnson] has made a move for your expulsion from office-Warren the 2nd assistant this moment informed me of the fact, and informed me that nothing would be done till the P M Genereal has an interview with me on the subject, which will be this morning-" Johnson confides his strategy in this meeting with the postmaster General Collamer:"I intend to have Bell present if possible-the PMG does not in my opinion to make a removal at all but if they determine to make one hazards, I will try and defeat Vance[David G. Vance, a Greenville innkeeper]-if the thing is done by Bell will be the responsible man..."Johnson plan worked temporally until later when President Fillmore got in office and appointed a new Postmaster General, who wanted to do a clean sweep.
Andrew Johnson Rare Autograph Letter Signed
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