Ruffin, Edmund, 1794-1865 The political economy of slavery

First edition of Ruffin's pro-slavery pamphlet, signed by Andrew Johnson. Johnson writes on the cover "Send this to my room with my mail." The pamphlet was published in 1857, Johnson most likely signed it in 1858. Untrimmed edges. Lacking wrappers. Printed by Lemuel Towers. Likely signed in Washington D.C. Reads in part: "Judging from the early existence and continued duration of the institution of domestic slavery-its almost universal extension-its beneficial influence in subduing barbarism and savage indolence and ignorance-in inducing the culture and improvement of the earth, and promoting the industry, civilization, refinement and general well-being of mankind-it seems to me an inevitable deduction that the institution of slavery is as surely and manifestly established by the wise and benevolent design of God, as the institution of marriage and of parental rule-and it is next to these, and inferior to these only, in producing important benefits to mankind."