Presidential Order Printed on Silk, 1837
[Washington?]: [1837]. Measures approximately 17" x 21" Good condition over all. Some chips, fraying, and losses around edges but all text and nearly all of the border ornamentation is intact. A paper reinforcement has been attached from the back along the center fold at top margin. Shows signs of having been folded in 4ths, with associated discoloration and slight wear along resulting creases. A few scattered holes to the main body of the fabric but no major loss.
An unusual commemorative printing of an executive order by President Andrew Jackson. In one of his last acts as President, Jackson expunges the brevet promotion given to his stepson, Robert Butler, following the Defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812. Jackson does so at Butler's request.
Andrew Jackson had become the guardian of Robert Butler and his siblings when their father died. Butler joined the army and served meritoriously as Adjutant General with Jackson during the British siege of New Orleans in 1815. President Madison intended the brevet rank as an honor, but Butler always felt it was more of an accidental slight, given his duties and responsibilities as Adjutant General. He finally requested President Jackson to simply blot it from his military record, which this order did.
Printed on silk in a typographically ornamented border. Eagles printed at top and bottom.
Item #756
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