Raynor HCA 2014-04
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/1/2014
BUCHANAN, James (1791-1868) 15th President of the United States (1857-1861). Congressman (1821-31); Senator (1834-45); Secretary of State (1845-49). Elected President in 1856, amongst the growing crisis of slavery, his inactions led the country to Civil War. He was also the only President to remain a bachelor throughout his term. Excellent content Autograph Letter Signed, 2pp, 8vo, Nobember 19, 1851, Wheatland near Lancaster, excellent. Buchanan is writing to Reverend E.W. Hutler regarding local political matters as well as the upcoming Democratic Narional Convention to be held in Baltimore, Maryland in six months, in part: "I have received your kind letter on behalf of Dr. Gilbert & hasten to answer it....I verily believe, however, that were I to select a candidate for each of the Philadelphia offices....I would thereby commit political suicide. The applicants are numerous beyond all former example & many of them in the city, county & and state have been active personal & political friends....how then in my present peculiar position can I decide between them & thus make enemies of the disappointed....". Buchanan continues stating how he basically does not want to get involved and disappoint friends and colleagues, he then continues "....for myself, I look forward, with agreeable anticipation to the Baltimore Convention, no matter what may be the result. If again defeated, thereafter, should a kind providence prolong my days. I trust I may pass the remainder of my life in tranquility & and in preparation for another & better world. I shall be be perfectly content with his decision, what ever this may be....". Buchanan did attend the convention in June 1852, being 2nd after nineteen ballots being cast, but eventually lost the nomination to Franklin Pierce. Buchanan also sought the nomination in 1848, but came up short once again loosing to Lewis Cass. A superb letter with excellent political content.
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