Extraordinary Invitation from the Citizens of Philadelphia to President Jackson

(JACKSON). (DALLAS, G.M. & C.J. INGERSOLL, et al). To General Andrew Jackson/ President of the United States/ Philadelphia 1 October 1836/ Sir,/ The undersigned citizens of the City and/ County of Philadelphia beg respectfully to invite/ you to visit them...[Manuscript document, 28 feet long by 7.5 inches wide, with holograph ink signatures of more than 1000 men of Philadelphia]. (Philadelphia: 1836). Overall very good condition, with with a few tears, and some old rebacking. The text is two feet long, the signatures occupy 26 feet. $2,500.00

An extraordinary and politically fascinating invitation by more than 1000 citizens of Philadelphia, including scions from many of the leading families, to Andrew Jackson to visit the city upon his retirement from office as President of the United States, then only two months away.

After expressing appreciation for Jackson's military career, the invitation reads: "Elevated to the highest post of civil responsibility, you have fearlessly administered our government with conscientious adherence to the republican spirit--in which it was established, gaining for it abroad unprecedented deference and respect, securing for it at home almost unequalled confidence and support."

The first signature belongs to G.M. Dallas, holder of numerous offices in Philadelphia, who later served as Senator from Pennsylvania. Dallas, who became vice president under Polk, initially supported the Bank of the United States, but altered his position and supported Jackson's bank policies. Dallas held no office at the time of this petition. The second signature is that of the author, C.J. Ingersoll, who also originally supported the Bank of the United States. As the bank was located in Philadelphia, opposition to it was especially controversial there. See DAB for both Ingersoll and Dallas.

Among other famous Philadelphia family names appearing are those of Richard Vaux, George Fisher, several Logans, a Rittenhouse, two Rushes, a Mifflin, A.J. Pleasonton, a Haswell, several Wolfs, plus a number of possible Jewish names, including that of Isaac Leeser, and apparently the youthful E.P. Christy.