Spring Auction 2014
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/27/2014
Rare DS from Andrew Johnson to the Mikado (Emperor) of Japan Dated February 22, 1869. It is to apply the seal to this envelope for secretary of state by the president and refers to the then US Minister Resident to Japan Van Valkenburgh. The document is in fine condition, although it has been laminated by its past owner.
Van Valkenburgh was instrumental in the delivery of the first iron clad war ship to Japan the same month and week that this document is dated. The war ship Kotetsu ( literally "Ironclad"), later renamed Azuma ("East") was the first ironclad warship of the Imperial Japanese Navy. Built in France in 1864 for the Confederate States Navy as CSS Stonewall, and acquired from the United States in February 1869, she was an ironclad ram warship. She had a decisive role in the Naval Battle of Hakodate Bay in May 1869, which marked the end of the Boshin War, and the complete establishment of the Meiji Restoration.
Please Note this document has been laminated by its previous owner for its protection.
Andrew Johnson DS to the Emperor Of Japan
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