Partly-printed DS as president, one page, 8 x 10, March 3, 1869. President Johnson authorizes and directs the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to “the Ratification of the additional article to the Consular Convention between the United States and Italy.” Signed neatly at the conclusion by Andrew Johnson. In fine condition, with faint toning to the folds and edges. This document pertains to a consular convention between Italy and the United States, signed at Washington, D.C., on February 8, 1868, and proclaimed by President Johnson a year later on February 23, 1869.
Most significant is the date of this document, March 3, 1869, which marked Andrew Johnson’s last full day in office; this was capped with a large public reception at the White House that offered the public and Johnson’s close friends the opportunity to wish him well. One person who did not attend was President-elect U.S. Grant, who publicly refused to share the same carriage as Johnson, as was customary, en route to the next day’s inauguration. Johnson's impeachment, which Grant supported, coupled with Grant's rise within the Republican Party, created a mutual dislike between the two men. Ultimately, Johnson decided not to attend his successor’s inauguration and spent his morning signing last-minute legislation.
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