JOHNSON, ANDREW, President. Autograph letter signed (''Andrew Johnson,'' with paraph) TO REAR ADMIRAL DANIEL G. FARRAGUT, U.S.N., Nashville, Tenn., 13 November 1869. 1 pages, large 8vo, in pencil on lined stationery, marked ''Private'' at top of first page. Fine.

JOHNSON, ANDREW, President. Autograph letter signed ("Andrew Johnson," with paraph) TO REAR ADMIRAL DANIEL G. FARRAGUT, U.S.N., Nashville, Tenn., 13 November 1869. 1 pages, large 8vo, in pencil on lined stationery, marked "Private" at top of first page. Fine.

A FORMER PRESIDENT AIDS A PENSION SEEKER

Eight months after leaving office, Johnson writes on behalf two ladies apparently seeking a pension due to a relative, probably a veteran: "Dear Admiral, Allow me to commend to your favorable attention Miss Sommervill and her neice Miss Young who are relations of Geo W Sommervill...I know nothing of the facts in the case...and only speak of them as ladies of high character on unquestioned authority. They are eminently worthy and I feel confident...that they are entitled to relief from Gov[ernmen]t. If you are in possession of any information which will afford them any aid in coming at the facts of his George Sommervcill's] case by furnishing it to them will fix an obligation that will be gratefully remembered...Enclosed...[is] the letter of Miss Young which will bring to your recollection facts and circumstances connected with the services of Geo W Sommervill..."

Autograph letters of Johnson, who injured his arm in a railroad accident, are very rare when dated during his term as President, and relativity rare as former President. Most of the latter group are, like the present example, in pencil, which Johnson may have found easier to use than a pen.