Exceptional 19th century leatherbound autograph album, 6 x 7.75, filled with over 190 signatures from the 26th US Congress. President Martin Van Buren has signed the first entry in the book, adding a sentiment and date, which reads, "With my best wishes. M. Van Buren / Washington / March 3d, 1841," marking the last day of his term as president. Signing on the same page are three members of his cabinet, Secretary of State John Forsyth, Secretary of the Treasury Levi Woodbury, and Postmaster General John M. Niles. Forsyth and Woodbury also date their signature March 3, 1841.
Additional signatures include: Franklin Pierce, Henry Clay, John Quincy Adams, John Calhoun, Cassius Clay, Thomas Hart Benton, William R. King (signs twice), William Preston, John Ruggles, Nathan Clifford, William Cooper, Rufus Palen, Reuben Chapman, Joseph Trumbull, Charles Johnston, Thomas Williams, and many more. There are also multiple engravings throughout the album, with tissue guards. In very good to fine condition, with heavy wear to the covers, which are detached from the spine; interior pages are generally all clean and fine.
