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President James Knox Polk was not the first president to be photographed; that distinction falls to President William Henry Harrison, nevertheless finding a good image of President Polk is not easy. Above is a very rare image of President James K. Polk and his pen. The big question is, what pen is it? The Image dates to 1849, and there were very few fountain pens at that time. Of course the pen he his holding could be a type of dip pen. If only the image were a little more clear. It is said that the size and role of the federal government was so small in the mid-19th century that during the hot Washington summers Polk let his cabinet secretaries return home while he ran their departments. He personally answered the mail, filled out forms, signed commissions, and issued purchase orders. If you have any information to share about Polk and his pen, please send me an e-mail at: |
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