1838 - 1841

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Book signed

Title: The Globe Extra v. 5 #19, 24-25, v.6 #1, 3-10, 12-27 re: campaign of 1840

Including vol. 4 nos. 19, 24-25 and vol. 6 nos. 1, 3-10 and 12-27. Printed by Blair and Rives.

GLC03336

1828

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Book signed

Title: A System of penal law for the U.S.A. ... by Edward Livingston

Signed twice by Polk. Printed by Gales & Seaton.

GLC03337

24 June 1848

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of John Paterson, John Smith & Peter Johnson, convicted of larceny on high seas.

Convicted of larceny on high seas; sentenced to 4 months imprisonment and a fine of $30 each. Pardoned after serving prison sentence, as "they are seafaring men, dependent upon their monthly wages for support, have no property, and are wholly unable to pay the fine...". (c/s James Buchanan)

GLC04470

2 July 1845

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: [Remitting sentence of Daniel Linkins and Augustus Lucas, who had attempted to assist a prisoner escape].

Countersigned by Secretary of State James Buchanan. Linkins and Lucas had both been sentenced to serve 20 days in prison and pay a $50 fine. Following Lucas' release from prison, Polk decided to also pardon Linkins. 1 black and white bust engraving of James K. Polk included.

GLC04553

25 November 1848

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Certificate of Merit

This document is a certificate of merit for Private Balser Horn, it is signed by James K. Polk as President and countersigned by William L. Marcy as Secretary of War. Private Balser Horn performed with distinguished service during the Battle of Cerro Gordo. Partially printed document with clerical docket of Adjutant General's office on recto.

GLC04675.15

19 October 1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Pardon of Edward Sheehy for assault].

Countersigned by Secretary of State James Buchanan. The pardon orders Sheehy to pay a fine and costs of $23.

GLC05090

1861-1865 ca.

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Photograph

Title: Tomb of Ex-President Polk, Nashville, Tenn.

E. & H. T. Anthony, publisher.

GLC05137.051

1833

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Book signed

Title: Register of debates in Congress: Volume IX.

Published in Washington D.C. by Gales and Seaton. Signed by James K. Polk while a Tennessee Congressman. Includes debates on reduction of duties, public lands and import tariffs, nullification, debate of Jackson's proclamation, Calhoun's resolutions, the Force Act.

GLC05514

1840-1841

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Book signed

Title: Bound collection of 45 Congressional speeches of various people

Bound volume of printed speeches from Congress signed on the front pastedown by James K. Polk. Most pamphlets have been printed at Washington by Blair and Rives. This bound volume of printed speeches from Congress is signed on the front pastedown by James K. Polk. The book has some damage; one pamphlet even has a portion razored out (#19) Most pamphlets have been printed at Washington by Blair and Rives. Two are signed (# 20, 39). Speech topics include Sub-Treasury Bill; Treasury Note Bill, debt assumption; appropriations; attacks on the Van Buren administration; and a few on abolition…

GLC05598

1834

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Book signed

Title: House Executive Documents, 23rd Congress, 1st Session. [nos. 204-349]

Very thick (24 x 15 x 7 cm.). Various paginations. Includes Bank of US, report of Lt. Allen and H.B. Schoolcraft on their exploratory expedition to the Northwest Indians in 1832 (with map). With 43 p. index. Vol. 4, Ser. No. 257. 3/24/1834 - 4/14/1843.

GLC05324

March 30,1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: [Pardon of Robert Baker for engaging in the slave trade].

Countersigned by James Buchanan. Baker, 1st mate on the Brig "Montivedio", was convicted of engaging in the slave trade between Africa and Brazil and sentenced to serve 6 months in prison and pay a $500 fine and court costs. Pardoned after serving twelve months in prison because of his poverty (inability to pay the fine) and excellent conduct.

GLC00043.11

July 13, 1847

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of George Miles, convicted of mutiny aboard the Barque "Agnes." Also, includes petitions and receipts.

Miles, "...convicted of a revolt on board of the barque 'Agnes'..."; sentenced to pay a $1 fine and courts costs [$25], and be imprisoned for ten days. Pardoned after serving his prison sentence since he was too poor to pay his fine. (c/s James Buchanan)

GLC00043.12

July 13, 1847

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of Lewis Huskey alias Edward Cairns, convicted of mutiny aboard the Barque "Agnes." Also, includes petitions and receipts.

Huskey [a.k.a. Cairns], "...convicted of a revolt on board of the barque 'Agnes'..."; sentenced to pay a $1 fine and courts costs [$25], and be imprisoned for ten days. Pardoned after serving his prison sentence since he was too poor to pay his fine. (c/s James Buchanan)

GLC00043.13

13 May 1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: [Authorization to affix the Seal of the United States to a proclamation of war with Mexico]

Authorization to affix the seal of the United States to Congress' declaration of war. Partially printed document.

GLC00093

September 21, 1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Y. Mason

Discusses boats for crossing the Rio Grande. Asks Secretary of the Navy Mason to introduce Captain Napoleon Harrison to Colonel Abert, with whom Harrison wishes to discuss the boats.

GLC00094

26 July 1847

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of John Krause, convicted of assault with intent to kill.

Convicted of assault with intent to kill and sentenced to 2 years hard labor. Pardoned since he was penitent and the citizens of Georgetown had requested pardon. (c/s James Buchanan)

GLC00068.06

April 2, 1847

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of Thomas Gardner, convicted of burglary. Also, includes petitions and receipt of pardon.

Convicted of burglary; sentenced to 3 years hard labor at a penitentiary. Pardoned due to Polk's petition by the jury and judge, and for "...divers other good and sufficient reasons..." (c/s N.P. Trist)

GLC00045.07

January 13, 1848

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: [Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of Samuel Howard].

Convicted of passing counterfeit coin; sentenced to 3 years imprisonment. Pardoned due to age, previous honesty, family's dependence, small amount of counterfeited money involved, and judge's request. Countersigned by Secretary of State James Buchanan. Also, includes petitions and receipt of pardon.

GLC00045.08

June 24, 1848

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of John Paterson, John Smith & Peter Johnson, convicted of larceny on high seas.

Convicted of larceny on high seas; sentenced to 4 months imprisonment and a fine of $30 each. Pardoned after serving prison sentence, as "they are seafaring men, dependent upon their monthly wages for support, have no property, and are wholly unable to pay the fine...". (c/s James Buchanan) "Duplicate" written on top.

GLC00045.09

March 3, 1849

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Pardon of Seth B. Horton, convicted of violating a seamen protection act. Includes petitions, transmission letters and pardon receipt.

Horton, late master of the Barque "T.O. Brown," was convicted of violating a seamen protection act [3rd Section, 9th Chapter, concerning consuls and vice consuls] of Feb. 1803. Conditionally pardoned because the violation was not willful, Horton must pay court costs. (c/s James Buchanan) Signed on Polk's last day of office.

GLC00045.10

15 June 1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of David McKittrich, master of the British Barque Envoy].

GLC00076.03

December 22, 1843

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Francis Hamtramck Claiborne

Advises that he had communicated Claiborne's wishes to A. V. Breur of the House of Representatives and believes he will give the matter proper attention. Comments on the Whig dominance in the state of Tennessee, "...Tennessee cannot long continue to occupy her present false and unnatural political position." Expresses his hopes for the 1844 presidential election, "The Democracy of the state were never more confident of success, and are preparing for the great contest of 1844."

GLC01892

circa 1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Document signed

Title: Authority to affix the seal to pardon of William F. Sterling, convicted of counterfeiting.

Sterling was convicted of passing counterfeit coin. Pardon framed with counterfeit coins and "fool's gold." One bust engraving of James K. Polk included as collateral.

GLC01980

July 18, 1844

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gov. William C. Bouck of New York

Concerning his election campaign policy, feeling that it is "wrong... for a candidate... to engage personally in the contest." Also mentions the tariff and Texas. Bouck was governor of New York. One bust engraving of James K. Polk included.

GLC01745

23 August 1844

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Laughlin

Mentions some proofs Edwin Polk obtained to be added to a publication about Ezekial Polk (James K. Polk's grandfather) and his service in the Revolutionary War. Advises that this be done soon. Asks when the full report of the proceedings of the convention will appear in the paper. Discusses the amount of space being devoted to political news in a certain newspaper. Offers advice and encouragement to Laughlin as a political supporter, "Defend briefly when necessary, but keep up the attack ... " Marked private at top of first page. Addressed to Laughlin in Tennessee. Two black and white…

GLC02496