John Tyler DS Re: U.S. / Portuguese Treaty Dated 3 Weeks After Harrison's Death

A 1p document signed by 10th U.S. President John Tyler (1790-1862) as "John Tyler" at lower right. The partly printed and partly handwritten document was signed in Washington, D.C. on April 24, 1841. Expected paper folds and wrinkles. Scattered discoloration recto caused by daubs of old adhesive verso, only affecting areas of printed text or blank areas. Else very good with a bold signature. 7.875" square.

This document dated April 24, 1841 represents one of the first pieces of presidential business addressed by President Tyler, who had been sworn in just 20 days earlier on April 4, 1841, following the sudden death of 9th U.S. President William Henry Harrison (1773-1841).

President Tyler gave instructions to Daniel Webster (1782-1852), the former Senator from Massachusetts who served as U.S. Secretary of State between 1841-1843.

In part:

"I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the seal of the United States to a Proclamation of the Treaty between the U. States + Portugal dated this day, and signed by me: and for so doing this shall be his warrant…"

The above U.S. / Portuguese treaty was referenced in a speech which President Tyler delivered before a joint session of Congress one week later, on June 1, 1841. Extrapolating from the speech, the treaty seemed to have some bearing on another country, Spain: "The ratification of the treaty with Portugal has been duly exchanged between the two Governments. This Government has not been inattentive to the interests of those of our citizens who have claims on the Government of Spain rounded on express treaty stipulations, and a hope is indulged that the representations which have been made to that Government on this subject may lead ere long to beneficial results."

Treaties drafted between nations usually addressed indemnities, claims, land grants, navigation, or commerce. For example, a "treaty of commerce and navigation" had been signed between the United States and Portugal at Lisbon on August 26, 1840, about eight months earlier.

The United States and Portugal had maintained very strong relations since 1791, when Portugal became the first neutral country to establish official diplomatic channels with the U.S. This early recognition on the part of Portugal explains why the oldest continuously operated U.S. Consulate is located in the Azores.

John Tyler served as president between 1841-1845.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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