Having Ascended to the Presidency Just a Week Before, Millard Fillmore Orders a New Black Hat

July 18, 1850

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Having Ascended to the Presidency Just a Week Before, Millard Fillmore Orders a New Black Hat
Autograph Letter Signed
1 page | SMC 1071

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      Background

      On the eighth day of his presidency, Fillmore orders a new black hat. Perhaps his sudden elevation from the vice-presidency prompted the purchase – namely, whereas a week ago he was invisible, now he was front and center.

      Fillmore, born to the poorest of the poor, was a meticulous dresser. As president, he wore a black suit with a starched white shirt.
      Autograph Letter Signed, as President, 1 page, quarto, Washington, July 18, 1850. To Messrs. W.H. Beebee & Co. in New York.
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      Washington City
      18 July 1850

      Gentlemen,

      Please send me, immediately, a suitable hat by Express.

      You have my size, and in regard to the kind I can only say I prefer the usual black hat.

      Very Resp'y [sic] [e]tc

      MILLARD FILLMORE

      Messrs W.H. Beebee & Co.
      New York,

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      Page 2 transcript
      MILLARD FILLMORE