apr 20, 1853 - Issues Executive Order for plans to mourn and commemorate Vice President William R. King, who dies 45 days into office. Congress was forced to pass special legislation (10 Stat 180) allowing King to take the oath of office in Cuba, where he moved hoping to recover from tuberculosis. King died on 04/18/1853 at his home in Chestnut Hill, Alabama, the evening after returning home from Cuba