John B. Weller Autograph (2) – Early California Politician

Description

John B. Weller Autograph (2) – Early California Politician
Offered for your consideration is a manuscript response to an autograph request (not present), signed by the recipient, with the face of the return envelope glued to the back page (this bears the signers’ senatorial frank as well). The letter was written from the “
Senate Chamber
” on “
1
st
Feby 1853
” and states: “
Sir I had the honour to receive your letter of yesterday requesting my autograph --
”, with the conclusion reading “
Very Respectfully
/
Your ob. Sevt
.”. It was addressed to “
G. A. Henderson Esq
” and was signed by “
John B Weller
”, at that time the Democratic Senator from the recently admitted state of California. Glued to a second sheet is what appears to be the front of the return envelope, addressed to “
Gustavus A. Henderson
/
Care John Henderson & Co.
/
Baltimore
”, with the frank of “
John B Weller
/
U. S. S
” at the upper right. A circular black cancellation, reading “
WASHINGTON D. C.
/
FREE
” and dated “
1 FEB
”. Thankfully, the recipient of the request is identified in a different hand as “
Hon John B. Weller,
/
United States Senator
/
& Ex Governor of the State of
/
California
”, since Weller’s signature is difficult to read due to poor or rapid penmanship. While not particularly well-known, Weller was active in politics in two states (Ohio and California), as well as in the Mexican-American War. A great addition to any early California collection, especially with the attached and addressed envelope front.
John B. Weller
was born on February 22, 1812 in Montgomery, Hamilton County, Ohio, and attended Miami University (Ohio). He subsequently studied law, was admitted to the bar, and served as the prosecuting attorney for Butler County from 1833 through 1836. Elected in 1838 to the United States House of Representatives, Weller remained in that position from March 4, 1839 through March 3, 1845. He served as lieutenant colonel of the 1
st
Regiment of Ohio Volunteers during the Mexican-American War. In 1848, Weller was declared the loser in a disputed election for governor of Ohio, after which he was appointed to the commission to establish the boundary between California and Mexico. He was replaced in 1850, though he remained in California and opened a law practice. He was elected by the state legislature to the United States Senate, serving from January 30, 1852 until March 3, 1857. Weller was then elected governor of California, to serve from January 8, 1858 until January 9, 1860. He was appointed Minister to Mexico in late 1860, but was recalled by the Lincoln administration in May, 1861. Following the Civil War, Weller moved to New Orleans, Louisiana (1867), where he continued to practice law. John B. Weller died on August 17, 1875 in New Orleans. Sources disagree on his initial internment location – one stating that he was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in San Francisco, California, while another states that he was buried in the Girod Street Cemetery in New Orleans (the first source indicates that he was moved to the Girod Street location after his western internment). Both sources agree that when the Girod Street Cemetery was destroyed in 1959, the unclaimed remains (including Weller’s) were commingled with 15,000 others and buried beneath Hope Mausoleum in St. John’s Cemetery in New Orleans.
The presently offered item exhibits signs of expected period use (it was sent through the mail), as well as subsequent long term storage. Toning is noted across the entire surface, imparting to the paper an off-white hue. Some soiling and light staining can be seen, especially on the front and back pages (this is from the letter being handled through the years). Several folds, as expected, are present, though these have not seriously affected the integrity of the paper (the second page is more at risk, though it is strengthened by the glue holding the envelope front). It is possible that a paper clip was applied at the upper left, as an indentation can be noted on both pages. The contrast is average, though due to the type of pen used and the poor penmanship, some of the words are slightly difficult to discern. The attached envelope front appears darker, probably due to more exposure to the elements while in use. This piece also exhibits folds, with the most significant being at the corners. The contrast on this piece appears strong, though several letters in the postmark are missing. This piece was glued into an album at some point in the past, as a line of glue and residual paper can be found on the back page (this does not affect either signature). Measuring approximately 7⅞ x 9¾ inches (when folded), this piece would look great framed with a portrait of this early California politician.
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A .00 charge will be added to any item picked up in person at our physical location.
If you have any questions regarding this item, please ask before purchasing.
Buy or Bid with Confidence – American Coins & Collectibles President Richie Self has worked 6 years as a paper money grader/authenticator. He has contributed to numerous reference books within the industry, as well as being a co-author of “The Comprehensive Catalog and History of Confederate Bonds, 2
nd
Edition” with Douglas B. Ball, Ph.D., Henry F. Simmons, M.D., Ph.D. and James R. Desabaye. Mr. Self is a life member of the American Numismatic Association, the Society of Paper Money Collectors, as well as numerous regional numismatic associations. He is an authorized submitter to NGC, PCGS, and PMG, a diamond founding member of Coin Dealers Helping Coin Dealers and a supporter of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets. American Coins and Collectibles can be found at many of the state and local coin shows.
American Coins and Collectibles
Shreveport, LA