American politician (1807–1886) best remembered as the subject of a controversy over whether, as President Pro Tempore of the Senate, he technically served one day as U.S. President in 1849 when Zachary Taylor declined to be inaugurated on the Sabbath. Though the unusual circumstances have since been widely analyzed and the notion of Atchison’s presidency discounted, the legend of his “tenure” has become an enduring fixture of American political folklore. Ink signature, “Your obt. servt., D. R. Atchison,” on a slightly irregular off-white 3.5 x .75 slip clipped from a letter. A few trivial smudges, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
