PRESIDENT WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON DIES AFTER JUST ONE MONTH IN OFFICE!

dth-harrison-mh.jpg“Old Tippecanoe” Succumbs to Pneumonia–Doctors Bled Him (with Leeches)!
Vice President John Tyler of Virginia Succeeds Harrison

The Globe, Washington, DC
Monday Evening, April 5, 1841

William Henry Harrison, who successfully led American troops against Tecumseh and his Indian warriors in the Battle of Tippecanoe (1811), and during the War of 1812, defeated the chief again in the Battle of the Thames, dies of pneumonia at the White House. At his inauguration, one month earlier, he delivered a 1 1/2 hour address (edited by his new Secretary of State, Daniel Webster) outside in bitter weather which was probably responsible for bringing on a bad cold shortly thereafter. His doctors tried everything from bleedings to blistering(!), but to no avail. His “advanced” age (68) certainly didn’t help matters either. Harrison’s death spelled the demise of the Whig Party.

This newspaper contains the news of his death, the report of his bedside physicians, and a communication from SecState Daniel Webster to Vice President Tyler informing the latter of the President’s unfortunate end. Tyler took the Oath of Office on April 6th.

Four large pages with all columns bordered in thick black mourning rules. Excellent condition throughout. More valuable than other newspapers as this was a Washington, DC newspaper. It took days and weeks for the news to reach other cities to be published around the country. For a fine Presidential collection!

$360

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Posted by mmitchell | Filed Under All Historic Newspapers, American Expansion