Title:
Millard Fillmore Signed March 1867 Issue of The African Repository — A Rare Post-Civil War Artifact Signed Two Years After Emancipation and the War’s End

Description:
Rare and historically significant signed cover from the March 1867 issue of The African Repository, personally inscribed by former President Millard Fillmore. The signature, “Millard Fillmore,” appears prominently at the top of the publication’s front cover in dark ink, with the date “March 18, 1867” written beneath in Fillmore’s hand.

The publication was the official monthly journal of the American Colonization Society and features the bold printed title The African Repository at center, along with a detailed contents listing relating to Liberia, colonization efforts, missionary activity, and African-American emigration. The reverse contains printed information regarding the American Colonization Society, including officers, organizational details, and notices concerning voyages to Liberia.

The cover exhibits expected age toning, edge wear, and areas of paper loss and staining consistent with a fragile nineteenth-century periodical cover. Despite these condition issues, the autograph remains clear and highly displayable, especially given its placement against the printed title of the publication. The combination of Fillmore’s signature with a document directly tied to the American Colonization Society creates an especially compelling historical artifact.

Historical Context:
The American Colonization Society, founded in 1816, promoted the migration of free African Americans to Liberia on the west coast of Africa. Throughout the nineteenth century, the organization occupied a controversial place in American political and social discourse. Supporters viewed colonization as a solution to racial tensions and emancipation issues, while critics increasingly condemned it as impractical, paternalistic, or hostile to the rights of free Black Americans.

Millard Fillmore maintained connections to colonizationist circles during his post-presidential years, reflecting a position shared by many nineteenth-century political figures who believed Liberia represented a possible avenue for formerly enslaved individuals following the Civil War. By March 1867, when this issue was signed, the United States was entering the Reconstruction era, and national debates surrounding citizenship, civil rights, and the future of formerly enslaved Americans dominated public life.

The issue itself was published less than two years after the Civil War and during the early implementation of Reconstruction policies under President Andrew Johnson. Documents associated with the American Colonization Society from this late period are especially evocative, as they reflect lingering antebellum ideologies confronting a rapidly changing political and social landscape.

Autographed material by Millard Fillmore connected directly to a politically and socially important publication such as The African Repository is notably uncommon and provides exceptional insight into nineteenth-century American political thought and reform movements.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto, certification number 85842687. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA in a large-format archival holder labeled “Book Cover – Millard Fillmore.”

• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This remarkable signed issue of The African Repository combines presidential history with one of the most debated reform movements of nineteenth-century America. Bearing Millard Fillmore’s signature directly on the cover of the American Colonization Society’s official publication, the piece serves as a tangible connection to the complex political and racial debates surrounding Reconstruction, emancipation, and Liberia. With strong visual appeal, important historical associations, and excellent display potential, this is an outstanding artifact for collectors of presidential autographs, abolition-era history, Reconstruction material, and nineteenth-century Americana.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.