2004-09
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/31/2004
Two-sided printed circular of "General Orders No. 11", April 20, 1853, announcing the death of William Rufus King, signed in type by Jefferson Davis, as Secretary of War, and actually signed by S. (Samuel) COOPER, Adjutant General, Choice Extremely Fine. The back of the Order is signed in type by President Pierce and orders the closure of government offices out of respect for the deceased. King has the distinction of being the only Executive never to have taken the oath of office. He was convalescing in Havana from tuberculosis during Pierce's inauguration, and never recovered, succumbing at his home in Alabama. This is perhaps the only, original-issued example to remain extant!
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