By the President of the United States. A Proclamation
Washington: Post Office Department, 1867. Single sheet. 8 1/2" x 14"
Uncommon Reconstruction era Proclamation by President Andrew Johnson to clarify the judicial authority of the federal government and its courts in the South. General Dan Sickles was in command of the Second Military District (North and South Carolina) under the Reconstruction Act, and had issued General Order No. 10 attempting to take control of the courts. He was trying to solve the rampant carpetbagging problem but in doing so usurped federal authority.
Though this Proclamation was aimed at the confusion in the courts caused by Sickles, President Johnson uses it to remind the South that, as President, he is bound to enforce the laws of the US "within any State or Territory," and that he will use land and naval forces if necessary to do so.
Signed in type by both President Johnson and Secretary of State William Seward at bottom margin. Transmittal by the Postal Department at top margin is signed in type by Postmaster Alexander W. Randall.
Old fold creases and a few areas of faint browning, else fine.
Item #1563
Price: $675