Details
ATCHISON, David R. Autograph letter signed twice ("David R. Atchison" and "D. R. Atchison") to unidentified, Washington, 18 December 1845. 1 page, 4to. TWO FINE, BOLD SIGNATURES OF THE "PRESIDENT FOR A DAY".
Atchison writes: 'Yours of the 16th inst. has been rec'd and I comply with your request." When Zachary Taylor declined to take the Oath as President on Sunday, March 4, 1849, the posts of President and Vice-President stood vacant for a day. Many argue that Atchison, by virtue of being President Pro Tempore of the Senate became de facto, President for a day. Some further claim that upon the death of Pierce's Vice-President, William King, Atchison--still serving as President Pro Tem--became Vice-President from April 18, 1853, until December 4, 1854. Given all these supposed ascensions to high office because of the death of incumbents, it's highly ironic that Atchison came into the Senate in the first place because of a vacancy created by the death of Missouri's Senator Lewis F. Linn. In that case, however, he was duly sworn-in, later elected in a special election, and re-elected in 1849.
Atchison writes: 'Yours of the 16th inst. has been rec'd and I comply with your request." When Zachary Taylor declined to take the Oath as President on Sunday, March 4, 1849, the posts of President and Vice-President stood vacant for a day. Many argue that Atchison, by virtue of being President Pro Tempore of the Senate became de facto, President for a day. Some further claim that upon the death of Pierce's Vice-President, William King, Atchison--still serving as President Pro Tem--became Vice-President from April 18, 1853, until December 4, 1854. Given all these supposed ascensions to high office because of the death of incumbents, it's highly ironic that Atchison came into the Senate in the first place because of a vacancy created by the death of Missouri's Senator Lewis F. Linn. In that case, however, he was duly sworn-in, later elected in a special election, and re-elected in 1849.