Lot 151

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Description:

Andrew Johnson  Signed Check Issued to William Slade, the African-American Steward Who Had Also Been Lincoln's Valet

A remarkable item which will be sure to interest collectors of both presidential and African-American memorabilia: a check signed twice by 17th U.S. President Andrew Johnson (1808-1875), and issued to William Slade (died 1868), the African-American White House messenger, valet, and steward during the Lincoln and Johnson administrations.

Check #130 issued in Washington, D.C. on August 13, 1866 was drawn on the First National Bank of Washington in the amount of $563.46, and made payable to "William Slade, July accts or order." Johnson has signed as "Andrew Johnson" along the payee line, it is possible he has also initialed a 2-cent orange George Washington bank check revenue stamp (R-6) in the upper right corner as "AJ.", but we cannot guarantee this. Endorsed by the check recipient William Slade as "Wm Slade" verso. With both spindle and cut cancellation, one spindle hole affecting Slade's signature verso but none affecting Johnson's. 8.125" x 3.125." Accompanied by a period print of Johnson issued by a Rockland, Maine clothing store, and a biographical description of Johnson.

Though bank checks are among the most common form of autograph bearing a revenue stamp, this document has the unusual and attractive addition of Johnson's own cancellation initials. Graphically, the combination of the green of the printed check and the orange of the revenue stamp would make an arresting display, enhanced by the vignette of the "Government Depository and Financial Agent of the United States" found at left.

Two weeks after signing this check, Johnson would embark on his disastrous "Swing Around the Circle" tour. Johnson's 18-day-long tour of speaking engagements in various American cities promoting Democratic and moderate Republican candidates to implement his lukewarm Reconstruction policies severely damaged his popularity. The election went strongly in favor of the Radical Republicans, ensuring a hostile Congress for the rest of Johnson's term. Two years later he would be impeached by the United States Senate.

William Slade served as President Johnson's White House steward between the summer of 1865 and his death in March 1868. Before that, Slade served as President Lincoln's special messenger, valet, and confidant, a "keeper of the keys" who administered every detail pertaining to the president's wardrobe, dining, and household service. Their relationship extended far beyond that of employer-employee to that of friends; President Lincoln welcomed Slade's feedback on speeches he was preparing, and Slade lovingly prepared Lincoln's body for burial. The March 20, 1868 issue of the "Vermont Transcript" reported the death of Slade, adding, "He was a colored man…appointed by President Lincoln [as] Messenger at the White House, and President Johnson made him Steward, giving him the disbursement of all the moneys expended there…" Thus we can conclude that this check in the amount of $563.46--or just over $9,000 in 2020 currency--was slated for paying White House household bills overseen by Slade.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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January 6, 2021 10:30 AM EST
Wilton, CT, US

University Archives

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000