LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 December Signature Texana Auction #661  / 

56317

Buchanan ALS Introducing James Prentiss

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1,450.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 2,000.00 USD
Buchanan ALS Introducing James Prentiss
<B>James Buchanan Autograph Letter Signed. </B></I> One page, 8" x 10", Washington, March 26, 1845, a letter of introduction to A[ndrew] J[ackson] Donelson. In part: "<I>It affords me great pleasure to introduce to you the bearer hereof James Prentiss Esquire of this City. He is about to visit Texas & desires to have the honor of your acquaintance. He is an ardent Democrat, a warm friend of annexation & a respectable man...</B></I>" Donelson had been appointed charge d'affaires of the United States to the Republic of Texas by President Tyler, likely because Tyler believed that Donelson would be useful in persuading Samuel Houston (both Houston and Donelson were natives of Tennessee) to endorse the annexation of Texas by the Union. Donelson had been instrumental in the election of President Polk, who took office in 1845. James Prentiss had founded the Union Land Company in New York in 1830 in partnership with his brother Henry Bowdoin Prentiss, for the purpose of colonizing the land grants held by David G. Burnet and others in Texas. Henry sold his interest in the company to his brother James in 1834. Because no other person ever acquired title or shares in the company, the entire interest became vested in James. Hugely inflated claims of expenses made by the company for the years 1831-1834 (more than $400,000) greatly contradicted Henry's disclosure that the company had expenses of about $560 and held no more than $1290 in assets in Texas. It was more likely that the Union Land Company was a land speculation enterprise for James. Buchanan was serving as Secretary of State in Polk's administration when he wrote this letter, and it serves as a great association illustrating the variety of vested interests in the annexation of Texas. A few minor tears have been professionally repaired; with mounting stains along left margin, otherwise near fine condition.<BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
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