In 1864, as Abraham Lincoln began his campaign for re-election, he sought a War Democrat as a running mate in hopes to bring some agreeable bipartisanship to Congress. Although his selection of Andrew Johnson was controversial, Lincoln was impressed by Johnson's administration of Tennessee, and believed that despite the geographic separation, having a southern War Democrat on the ticket sent the right message about the continuing capacity for union within the country.
Unfortunately, just 42 days after the successful election (under the more neutral "National Union" party rather than Republican), Lincoln was assassinated and Johnson succeeded to become the President of the United States. Due to the controversy of a Confederate sympathizer holding the rank of President in the Union, a certain checks and balances system was at first implemented for a short period of time, in which other members of the government would sign off on Johnson's executive orders. Offered here is one such example, with an original document signed by Andrew Johnson and a separate cover letter agreeing to the orders signed by Commanding General of the Army Ulysses S. Grant.
Just ten days after Lincoln's assassination, on April 24, 1865, President Johnson issues an executive permit authorizing James. J. O'Fallon to engage in the transportation and sale of Georgia cotton, and that "all such products...shall be free from seizure detention or forfeiture to the United States; and Officers of the Army and Navy and Civil Officers of the Government will observe this order." Robert E. Lee had surrendered at Appomattox mere weeks before President Johnson issued this permit, which represents the restoration of commercial ties between north and south. The 8.25" x 13.5" two-sided document has been signed at the conclusion "Andrew Johnson" in steel tip. Enhancing this document immensely is a second one page, 8.25" x 13.5" cover letter on the same date , handwritten & signed off by Lt. Gen. Grant, reading "The within Executive permit will be observed by all Military Commanders and every facility given for its execution without hindrance or interference. U.S. Grant, Lt. Gen."
Both documents are in overall fine condition, with old clear tape remnants and associated staining to both documents, some splitting along the horizontal folds, and complete separation to the lower half of the Grant letter. Take note - there is no doubt that this pair of documents remains highly collectible to any Civil War or history collector. Each signature is accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from Beckett Authentication Services (BAS).