Andrew Johnson’s Historic Document Proclaiming Day of Mourning for Lincoln Fetches Nearly $35K at Auction
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boston, MA – April 11, 2025 — A rare and historically significant manuscript—President Andrew Johnson’s handwritten order marking the national day of mourning for Abraham Lincoln—has sold for $34,999, according to Boston-based RR Auction.
The poignant document, dated May 31, 1865, features Johnson’s signed directive on Executive Office letterhead, instructing federal offices to close “in consequence of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, late President of the United States.” Issued in advance of June 1st, the national day of “Special Humiliation and Prayer,” the manuscript reveals handwritten edits—striking through “National” and “Fasting”—identifying it as a working draft of the presidential proclamation.
“Documents directly linking two presidents during one of the most traumatic periods in American history are few and far between,” said Bobby Livingston, Executive Vice President at RR Auction. “This order shows Johnson’s attempt to unify a grieving nation and formally honor his predecessor.”
Following Lincoln’s assassination on April 14, 1865, Johnson proclaimed June 1 as a national day of mourning, prompting ceremonies across the country. The closure of executive departments reinforced the solemn observance at the federal level. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA, the signed document originates from the Forbes Collection.
The sale was part of RR Auction’s Fine Autographs and Artifacts Featuring Civil War and Abraham Lincoln, which opened on March 14 and concluded on April 10. The auction achieved a total of $1,153,163 and featured several notable results, including:
Abraham Lincoln Civil War–dated letter signed, addressed to Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton, interceding on behalf of a “devoted Union man.” Sold for $31,258.
Albert Einstein typed letter signed, responding to an inquiry on special relativity and including handwritten velocity addition formulas. Sold for $31,251.
Janis Joplin autograph letter signed, a remarkable nine-page letter featuring a self-portrait sketch and reflections on “dope addiction.” Sold for $27,500.
Abraham Lincoln autograph document signed, a legal deposition in a butter churn dispute, penned entirely in Lincoln’s hand. Sold for $26,488.
Albert Einstein autograph letter signed, containing handwritten equations related to his work on unified field theory. Sold for $26,488.
J. R. R. Tolkien signed book, a first UK edition of The Road Goes Ever On: A Song Cycle, inscribed to a friend. Sold for $20,000.
For additional details, visit www.rrauction.com
