Tyler, John, as tenth President

Autograph letter signed ("John Tyler"), 1 page (9 3/4 x 8 in.; 248 x 204 mm), Washington, D.C., 20 October 1841, to Mr. [James Fowler] Simmons, docketed on verso of second leaf; formerly folded, tiny edge-tears at folds. Light green half-morocco clamshell box.

Sotheby's New York, 29 June 1982, lot 425 (unnamed consignor)

folded, tiny edge-tears at folds.
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.

A rare letter from "His Accidency."

John Tyler was elected to the Vice Presidency and inaugurated 4 March 1841, but when President Harrison died on 4 April, Tyler overcame the general confusion at this unprecedented event, and took the oath of office 6 April. Though his accession was approved by the Cabinet and the Congress, his detractors (especially the Whig Party from whom he had broken rank) refused to recognize him, referring to him as "His Accidency."

The present letter was written amid this period of hostility and feelings of illegitimacy, to James Fowler Simmons (1795-1864) who had become a Whig senator from Rhode Island on 4 March, discussing the case of Mr. Mallet (an unidentified officer) whose behavior Mr. Simmons felt merited removal: "I addressed a letter to Mr Mallet stated to him the strong desires you had expressed, & while I could not but declare to him, in full view of all the testimony, that his was not a case for removal ... yet I submitted to him with knowledge of all the circumstances, whether it would not be better for him to resign, & thereby relieve himself from an unpleasant altercation. With a sincere desire to meet your wishes, I have not been able to bring myself to the conclusion that either any principle of sound policy or of public good, can justify me in removing a faithfull & capable officer for mere opinions sake."