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Great Content Martin Van Buren Letter as Pres. Fantastic content Martin Van Buren letter as Presiden

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:1.00 USD Estimated At:3,000.00 - 4,000.00 USD
Great Content Martin Van Buren Letter as Pres. Fantastic content Martin Van Buren letter as Presiden
<B>Fantastic content Martin Van Buren letter as President.</B></I> Autograph Letter Signed, four pages, measuring 7.5" x 9.75". Fine condition. Written at Washington, April 22, 1839, it reads: "<I>Confidential My dear Sir, Mr. Bryant has in conjunction with some other friends of Mr. Leggett recommended most to me for the place of surveyor of the Port of New York. It would certainly give me pleasure to any proper thing in my power for Mr. L., not only on his account, but also to gratify Mr. B., & from a conviction that Mr. L. would discharge any duty imposed upon him with integrity & ability. The place referred to does not become vacant in its regular course for some time, & I have not as yet decided upon anticipating that event. Mr. E. Moore has also been proposed upon me for it long before Mr. L's name was brought forward. The Movement in regard to Mr. M. proceeded so far as my knowledge, extends, from our friends in Congress, who, believing him to be poor, & considering the firmness & integrity of his political course have taken a deep interest in his securing some appointment. So that matter stands. A temporary employment has presented itself, which would, it strikes me, be very acceptable to Mr. Leggett. as a provision for the time being, and which it would in that event afford me sincere pleasure to bestow upon him. I have decided to break up our legation in Central America as unnecessary, & so informed Mr. DeWitt when he was here. Instructions were on their way to him when his last catastrophe occurred, directing him to refrain to his post - obtain the notification & exchange of a treaty which has been concluded with that government - explain my reasons for closing the Legation & place the archives in proper hands & on. It will now become necessary to do this by a special & confidential agent sent for the sole purpose. The need is of a responsible and honorable character, and a visit to that part of the world not be destitute of interest. It would probably occupy the agent half a year & the pay will be $8 a day and all reasonable expenses paid by the Government. I will thank you to consult with Mr. Bryant & if he thinks it will probably be agreeable to Mr. Leggett to undertake it you may propose it to him. Make my respects to both and believe me to be Very truly yours, M. Van Buren</B></I>". <BR><BR>The "Mr. Bryant" referred to is William Cullen Bryant (1794-1878), who was a poet and editor of the <I>New York Evening Post,</B></I> 1829-78. One of the leading Democratic voices in the nation, he was also an ardent abolitionist and would become one of the founders of the Republican Party. The "Mr. E. Moore" referred to is Ely Moore (1798-1860), Chairman of the National Trades' Union, and Rep. from New York to Congress (1834-39). He then served as surveyor of the port of New York before moving west to Kansas.