Bidspirit auction | Mexican War: JAMES POLK Signed

Mexican War: JAMES POLK Signed Note as President - Handwritten, signed note by U.S. President James K. Polk, dated April 22, 1846, addressed to Postmaster General Cave Johnson. Polk writes: ”I shall be pleased to have you dine with me to-day at 4 o'clock with Mr. & Mrs. Donelson.” Written three days before the first clash between U.S. and Mexican troops on April 25, 1846, the note invites Johnson to dine with Polk and Andrew Jackson Donelson, U.S. Minister to Prussia and former U.S. charge d'affaires to Texas, and his wife. Donelson played akey role in diplomatic efforts related to the annexation of Texas. Johnson, as Postmaster General and one of Polk's closest advisors, played a key role in coordinating wartime communications and had been previously entrusted with sensitive diplomatic correspondence relating to the Mexican crisis. The timing of this gathering suggests it may have involved informal discussion of the growing crisis with Mexico, as Polk was already preparing to request a war resolution. Measures 10” x 8” folded. Note: This dinner -- including the Donelsons and Cave Johnson by name -- is referenced in the April 22, 1846, entry in President Polk's diary. See images. Toning and splits. Top half of page separated from unwritten-on bottom, and separation thro shipping info This item can be shipped in-house.