Tyler, John, Tenth President

Autograph document signed ("John Tyler") with 11 other integral signatures, 3 ½ pages (9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 250 x 200 mm) on blue paper embossed "O & H," Charles City County, Virginia, 22 February 1855, being an indenture recording the loan of three slaves as surety for his share of a bond in the value of $1000 to Edmund Christian, countersigned by Edmund Christian and Fleming B. Major, docketing on verso; formerly folded.

Manuscript document signed ("John Tyler") with 11 other integral signatures, 3 ½ pages (9 7/8 x 7 7/8 in.; 250 x 200 mm) on blue paper embossed"O & H," Charles City County, Virginia, 22 February 1855, being an indenture recording the loan of three slaves as surety for his share of a bond in the value of $1000 to Edmund Christian, countersigned by Edmund Christian and Fleming B. Major, docketing on verso; formerly folded.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The former president provides surety. "... and deliver over unto the said Edmund Thomas Christian the following negro boys to wit, Andrew, mulatto John, and George ..." (page 2).  "But should the said John Tyler ... fail to secure, protect and indemnify the said Fleming B. Major from damage or loss ... then the said Edmund T. Christian ... shall proceed after thirty days notice to have posted at the front door of Charles City Court House to sell the said negroes at public auction to the highest bidder for ready money ..." (page 3).

When his presidency was over in 1845, Tyler retired to a plantation on the James River in Charles City County. Tyler had long been a slave owner who felt that the question of a state's "free" or "slave" status ought to be decided at the state level, with no input from federal government. He re-entered public life to sponsor and chair the Virginia Peace Convention in February 1861, which sought a compromise alternative to war.