Skip to main content
Go to accessibility notice
Home / Historical / 2021 May 19 Manuscripts Signature Auction - Dallas Auction #6236 / Preview Item
     

    James Buchanan Letter Signed. One page, 7.75" x 10...

    Click the image to load the highest resolution version.
    Autographs:U.S. Presidents, James Buchanan Letter Signed. One page, 7.75" x 10...

    Auction Preview: Preview items may not have yet been properly described or vetted, and items are posted as soon as they have a description or a picture. We are continuing to add and correct information as we approach the auction posting date, so check back here often and Contact us with any comments or suggestions.

    Consign your material with Heritage! Although the Consignment Deadline for this auction has passed, we are always accepting quality consignments.

    Free Appraisal What's it Worth?

    Track Item Share this lot
    Inquire Sell One of These Currency Converter

    Description

    James Buchanan Letter Signed. One page, 7.75" x 10", Washington City; August 20, 1845. Composed while Buchanan was Secretary of State in James K. Polk's administration. Addressed to John M. Read, a lawyer from Philadelphia who helped found the Republican Party and served as Chief Justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. It reads in full: " Your favor of 16 th instant, covering a letter to Secretary Marcy, recommending Lieut. French for a post in the Quarter Master's Department, was duly received. I have this morning transmitted your letter to the Secretary of War accompanied by a note of my own, expressive of your strong claims to his favor, and of the high gratification a compliance with your wishes would afford me. Trusting that the application may prove successful," Signed, " James Buchanan."

    The fifteenth president of the United States and the last to be born in the 18th century, James Buchanan is the only president from Pennsylvania, and the only president never to marry. Despite a long and honorable career of public service, Buchanan's inability to avert the Civil War has been assessed by historians as the worst single failure by any president of the United States.

    Condition: Lightly age toned with two small stains. Somewhat brittle with minor chipping along edges with one large chip (extant) at the bottom left corner.

    Auction Info

    Bidding Begins Approx.
    April
    30th Friday
    Auction Dates
    May
    19th Wednesday
    Proxy Bidding Begins Approx.
    11 Days
    Bids + Registered Phone Bidders: N/A
    Lot Tracking Activity: N/A
    Page Views: 34
    Auction Type
    Signature®:  Heritage Live®:After Internet bidding closes, live bidding will take place through www.HA.com/Live. Your secret maximum bid placed prior to the live event will compete against the live bids. To maximize your chances of winning, enter realistic secret maximum bids on our site. Many of our proxy bidders are successful at winning lots in these auctions, and usually below their secret maximum. You can also place last minute bids directly with us by e-mailing Bid@HA.com or calling 1-866-835-3243. (Important note: Due to software and Internet latency, live bids may not register in time, so enter realistic proxy bids.)

    Signature® Floor Sessions
    Proxy bidding ends ten minutes prior to the session start time. Live Proxy bidding on Heritage Live starts 7 days before the live session begins and continues through the session. During the live auction event, bidding in person is encouraged, and Heritage Live includes streaming audio and often video during the event.
    Sales Tax information

    Important information concerning Sales Tax and Resale Certificates. Learn More

    Terms and Conditions  |  Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments |  Glossary of Terms

    Viewing at %
    Please enter a value between % and 100% and press your "Enter" key. Close
    Fit to screen View Full Size Brightness
    Track Item