DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, March 21, 1846. President Polk instructs “the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of a Cabinet letter addressed to the King of Prussia, Mr. Wheaton’s recall.” Boldly signed at the conclusion in black ink by Polk. In fine condition, with several horizontal folds, some light edge wrinkling and small tape repair to reverse. Wheaton, an American lawyer and diplomat, was born in Providence, Rhode Island. He was the third reporter of decisions for the United States Supreme Court. His diplomatic career began in 1827, with an appointment to Denmark as chargé d'affaires, followed by that of minister to Prussia, 1837 to 1846. In 1846 Wheaton was requested to resign by the new president, Polk, who needed his place for another appointment. The request provoked general condemnation; but Wheaton resigned and returned to the United States. He was called at once to the Harvard Law School as lecturer on international law. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
