Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) [Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the paper remitting unto the William Davis the fine and costs imposed on him]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00076.01 Author/Creator: Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 19 May 1836 Pagination: 2 p. : docket : 3 collateral ; 26 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Davis was convicted of assault and battery in October, 1833, in the District of Columbia. Fined $5 and ordered to remain in prison until the fine was paid. After two and a half years imprisonment, Davis had petitioned to have the fine remitted since there was no way he could pay.

I hereby authorize and direct the Secretary of State to affix the seal of the United States to the paper remitting unto William Davis the fine and costs imposed upon him by the Circuit Court for the District of Columbia___
dated this day, and signed by me:and for so doing this shall be his warrant.
Andrew Jackson
Washington, May 19th 1830.

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources