Lot 152
Atchison, David Rice (1807-1886), A United States senator from Missouri (1843-55). Autograph Note Signed, one page, 4 x 2½ no place, September 20, 1857. Apparently in response to an autograph request: "Dear Sir, I herewith comply with your request. Your Obt Servt, D. R. Atchison". Mounted with minor wrinkling, Very Fine.
Estimate 500 - 750
Atchison is known to trivia buffs as the man who was "president for one day." Supporters claim he was president on March 4, 1849, when newly-elected president Zachary Taylor refused to take the oath of office on a Sunday. The term of incumbent James Polk ended that day at noon, leaving the office theoretically vacant until Taylor was sworn in on Monday. As president pro tempore of the Senate, Atchison would have been next in line for the job. Atchison, however was never sworn in or assigned the presidency in any way, and Taylor took the oath on March 5th. Nevertheless, as years passed Atchison's "term" became a popular bit of historical lore, and his grave marker reads "David Rice Atchison — President of the United States for One Day."
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| Realized $500 |
