1843 – File copy of a letter sent to President John Tyler by Andrew Jackson recommending Major General John M. Davis be appointed the Pittsburgh Postmaster for his service during the War of 1812

Hermitage, Tennessee. Envelope or Cover. Very good. This secretary-signed copy of Jackson two-page letter was retained by Major General John M. Davis who ensured the original and another copy were separately delivered to President John Tyler “lest the original might not fall into his hands.” It is datelined “Hermitage Octr 12th 1843”. It has no envelope or postal markings as this is the copy that Davis retained. In nice shape. A transcript will be provided.

It reads in part:

“It having been communicated to me by my Democratic friends in Pittsburgh [that] the Post Office in Pittsburg is about to become vacant. And having a desire (truncated) to promote Genl John M. Davis [they requested my support.] I do it with Pleasure.

“Major Davis was attached to my command at the closing of the Creek War, marched with me on Pensacola to expel the British and Indians from that position, there by to clear my left flank of the enemy, before I could repair to the defense of New Orleans. . .. During the whole campaign [he] performed the part of the gallant officer and brave patriot, and . . . added quality to the successful success of that brilliant campaign. I must add that Major J. M. Davis. . .. He in the language of Jefferson, ‘is honest, fit, and faithful to the Constitution’ – deserves well of his Government, and as such I present to the President of the United States, for the reward due to his Services in the time of peril and danger – The Major now Genl John M Davis is . . . a good Subject for the attention of the Government when it has offices to bestow –“ . Following the war, in 1814 Davis returned to Pennsylvania and continued to serve in the state militia for 34 years, eventually being promoted to Major General. He was also a committed Democrat and ardent Jackson supporter and began to serve in local and state offices. In 1838, Davis was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. It was when he lost the next election in 1840 that he and his friends solicited Jackson to pull strings with President Tyler, despite Tyler being a Whig. If Jackson did not originate the spoils system, he was certainly the first President to dispense patronage appoints to government positions to his loyal followers while in office. This letter makes it clear that he continued attempting to wield influence with future leaders.


In this copy, and presumably the original and second copy that was sent to President Tyler, Jackson’s signature is very well replicated including the curlicues on his “A” and distinctive underlining.

(For more information, see Friedrich’s “The Rise and Fall of the Spoils System” at the American Academy of Political and Social Science website and Turner’s “Sketch of the Life of General Davis” available online in A Collection of Papers read before the Buck’s County Historical Society.)

A first-hand example of an unvarnished “spoils system” appointment attempt by its most prolific presidential proponent who justified its use by the War of 1812 battlefield performance at Pensacola and New Orleans of its intended beneficiary. . (Inventory #: 010364)