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JAMES BUCHANAN, Autograph Letter Signed 1839 Handsome Letter Political Content
Currency:USD
Category:Collectibles / Autographs
Start Price:550.00 USD
Estimated At:900.00 - 1,200.00 USD
SOLD
550.00USD+ buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2013 Apr 20 @ 09:10UTC-7 : PDT/MST
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Autographs
Impressive “James Buchanan” Autograph Letter Signed
JAMES BUCHANAN (1791-1868). 15th President of the United States (1857-1861). His Indecisiveness is often cited as a significant factor contributing to the outbreak of the US Civil War.
July 31, 1839-Dated, Autograph Letter Signed, “James Buchanan” as Senator from Pennsylvania, 1 page, 10” x 8”, at Bedford Springs, Choice Extremely Fine. This is an incredibly handsome Letter has good Political content. Here, amidst the organized riot that was mid 19th century Pennsylvania politics, Buchanan attempts to ascertain to whom he should next dispense patronage - with an eye, of course, to wrangling the 1844 Democratic presidential nomination. James Buchanan writes to Col. Richard Frazer, in part:
“I enclose you a letter which will explain itself from Mr. Johnson. Will you be good enough to ascertain for me who would be the most suitable successor of Mr. Michael? What can be the reason of his gross negligence?... Write to me as soon as possible. I expect to be here a week yet... Governor Porter has not yet arrived here... This watering place is always agreeable although I have found but few of the old set...”
Buchanan, having long used his influence to secure political jobs for the entire Frazer clan ever since the senior Frazer presented him with a law library, and helped him to build up his Law practice. By 1845 he had placed most of the Frazer family and their in-laws, on the public payroll. Still, Col. Richard Frazer wanted more, and when Buchanan finally said “enough!” (Frazer became his bitter enemy.) This Letter remains bright fresh and clean, boldly written upon fresh looking period wove paper. Usual mailing folds, the vivid, highly impressive “James Buchanan” signature is eye-popping measuring about 3.25” long. Exceptional quality and quite rare as such and being perfect for display.
Virginia's vote was safely behind Buchanan's candidate, fellow Democrat President Martin Van Buren. But the Senator's own Pennsylvania was not, nor was the President's home State of New York, both of which went to the ultimate victor, the Whig Party Candidate William Henry Harrison.
Auction Location:
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Taxes:
| Tax | Rate | Desc. |
| CST |
7.5% |
California |
| SST |
8% |
San Diego County |
Buyer's Premiums:
| From (Incl.) | To (Excl.) | Premium |
| 0.00 |
Infinite |
18% |
Additional Fees:
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1. General Terms.
All Bidder(s) at the Auction acknowledge and agree that the following General Terms shall apply at all times to the conduct of the Auction:
a. The Auction is by public mail/phone/email/internet/and/or fax. Absentee Bid Closing Date: April 19, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. PST. Absentee Bids will be executed over iCollector.com, LiveAuctioneers.com, ArtFact.com and EarlyAmerican.com April 20, 2013, beginning at 9:00 a.m. PST. The Auction is conducted in accordance with the regulations of the State of California and the City of San Diego.
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a. In the event a successful Bidder fails to make payment when due, EAHA reserves the right, in its sole and exclusive discretion, to rescind the sale or to resell the Lot(s) in a commercially reasonable manner (which may include a public or private sale); it being understood that the Bidder agrees to pay for the reasonable cost of such a sale, together with any incidental costs of sale, attorney’s fees and costs, costs of the Cataloguer and any other reasonable charge(s).
b. EAHA shall have the right to offset any sums due to EAHA, and to make such offset(s) from any past, current, or future consignment(s), or purchase(s) that are in the possession or control of EAHA.
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d. If a given invoice submitted to the successful Bidder by EAHA is not paid for in full when due per the invoice terms, the unpaid balance shall accrue penalty interest at the rate of one-and-one-half percent (1-1/2%) per month until fully paid; it being understood that in such event the penalty interest rate shall exceed the interest permitted by law.
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6. Guarantees of Authenticity.
Unless otherwise indicated in the Catalog, the Merchandise offered for sale at the Auction shall be guaranteed by EAHA to be authentic and as described in the Catalog; it being understood that SUCH GUARANTEE SHALL BE VALID FOR A PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) CALENDAR DAYS ONLY FOLLOWING the Auction Date; it being further understood that after thirty (30) calendar days, no purchased Merchandise can be returned by a successful Bidder(s) under any circumstances; it being further understood that this limited guarantee is extended only to the original Purchaser of record, and to be effective requires the timely presentation of the original sales invoice as well as verification that the item of Merchandise is in the same exact condition as when originally sold. After thirty (30) calendar days, should any claim regarding authenticity of the Merchandise arise, at the sole discretion of EAHA, EAHA may elect to assign any rights it has against the original Consignor it may hold. It being understood and agreed that such an assignment, if granted by EAHA, shall not be considered an obligation and EAHA shall be completely removed from any further involvement or responsibility.
7. Descriptions and Grading.
a. Bidder(s) acknowledge that all gradings of coin Merchandise sold in the Auction have been determined by independent grading services, and/or by EAHA; it being understood that the successful Bidder(s) acknowledge that the grading of rare coin(s) and currency is subjective and accordingly may differ among independent grading services and among expert numismatists, and that such grading may have a material effect on the ultimate Auction value of the coin Merchandise.
b. EAHA shall not be responsible for the grade(s) assigned by independent grading services, and makes no warranty or representation regarding such grade(s). All third party graded lots are sold “AS IS” and are not returnable.
c. Lot description(s) are based solely upon an examination of the coin(s), and are not intended to describe in detail any perceived special characteristics; it being understood that Bidder(s) acknowledge that coin grading and perception(s) are inherently subjective.
d. EAHA does not warrant the accuracy of the description(s) and the photograph(s) contained in the Catalog, and that the Bidder acknowledges and agrees that the actual Merchandise offered for sale may vary in size and/or scale from any photograph(s) and/or description of the Lot in the Catalog.
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8. Disclaimer and Warranties.
All Bidders in the Auction acknowledge and agree, as a condition to the acceptance of a Bid by the Auctioneer, that:
NO WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE IS MADE OR IMPLIED ON ANY LOT IN THE CATALOG, AND NO WARRANTY, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IS MADE WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOT EXCEPT FOR A WARRANTY OF TITLE; IT BEING UNDERSTOOD THAT ALL LOTS OFFERED FOR SALE ARE SOLD ON AN “AS IS” BASIS AND THAT THE PURCHASER CONSEQUENTLY ASSUMES ALL RISKS CONCERNING AND RELATED TO THE GRADING, QUALITY, DESCRIPTION, CONDITION, AUTHENTICITY, AND PROVENANCE OF A GIVEN LOT.
9. Waiver and Release.
All Bidders in the Auction acknowledge and agree, as a condition to the acceptance of a Bid by the Auctioneer, that:
BIDDER EXPRESSLY WAIVES AND RELEASES, AND FOREVER DISCHARGES EAHA FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, RIGHTS, DEMANDS AND CAUSE(S) OF ACTIONS AND SUIT(S), OF WHATEVER KIND OR NATURE, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, CLAIM(S) BASED UPON AUCTIONEER’S NEGLIGENCE, WHETHER IN LAW OR EQUITY OR WHETHER KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, SUSPECTED OR UNSUSPECTED, WHICH BIDDER MAY CLAIM TO HAVE WITH RESPECT TO AND/OR ARISING OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH ANY CHALLENGE TO ANY MERCHANDISE PURCHASED AT THE AUCTION, THE AUCTION PROCEDURES, OR THE PURCHASE OF ANY LOT(S); IT BEING THE INTENTION THAT THIS WAIVER AND RELEASE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE AS A BAR TO EACH AND EVERY CLAIM, DEMAND, CAUSE OF ACTION AND/OR SUIT OR CONTROVERSY THAT MAY ARISE HEREUNDER OR BE RELATED TO THE AUCTION
ALL BIDDER(S) BY SUBMITTING A BID IN THE AUCTION KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVE ANY AND ALL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OTHERWISE CONFERRED UPON THE BIDDER BY LAW OR BY THE PROVISION(S) OF SECTION 1542 OF THE CALIFORNIA CIVIL CODE, WHICH READS IN FULL AS FOLLOWS:
“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS WHICH THE CREDITOR DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE, WHICH IF KNOWN BY HIM MUST HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR.”
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All Bidders in the Auction acknowledge and agree, as a condition to the acceptance of a Bid by the Auctioneer, that:
a. If a dispute arises concerning ownership of a given Lot that has been Bid upon or concerning proceeds of any sale, EAHA reserves the right to commence a statutory Inter-Pleader or similar proceeding at the expense of the Consignor and successful Bidder and any other applicable party, and in such event shall be entitled to its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs.
b. Neither EAHA nor any affiliated or related company shall be responsible for incidental or consequential damages arising out of any failure of these General Terms and Conditions, the Auction or the conduct thereof and in no event shall such liability exceed the Purchase Price, premium, or fees paid.
c. If the Bidder fails to comply with one or more of these General Terms and Conditions, then, in addition to all other remedies which it may have at law or in equity, EAHA may at its sole option either rescind the sale, retaining all payments made by Bidder as liquidated damages; it being recognized that actual damages may be speculative or difficult to compute, or sell a portion or all of the Lot(s) held by EAHA, in a quantity sufficient in the opinion of EAHA to satisfy the indebtedness, plus all accrued charges, and EAHA may sell such portion at an Auction or private sale conducted by EAHA and charge a seller’s commission that is commercially reasonable. More than one such sale may take place at the option of EAHA. Notice of the sale shall be by U.S.P.S. Mail, Return Receipt Requested to the address utilized on the Bid Sheet, Auction Consignment and Security Agreement or other last known address by EAHA. The proceeds shall be applied first to the satisfaction of any damages occasioned by Bidder’s breach, then to any other indebtedness owed to EAHA, including without limitation, commissions, handling charges, the expenses of both sales, reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs, collection agency fees and costs and any other costs or expenses incurred.
d. It/he/she shall be liable to EAHA if the proceeds of such sale(s) insufficient to cover the indebtedness.
e. The rights granted to the Bidder(s) under the within General Terms and Conditions are personal and apply only to the Bidder(s) who initially purchase the Lot(s) at the Auction, and no rights may be assigned or transferred to any other person or entity, and any attempt to assign or transfer any such rights shall be absolutely void and unenforceable.
f. Any dispute arising out of or related to these General Terms and Conditions, the Auction or any Lot, with the sole exception of actions by EAHA to collect the purchase price and other damages, shall be submitted to binding Arbitration with the venue of all hearings to be in San Diego and pursuant to the rules of the American Arbitration Association and/or the Professional Numismatics Guild (“PNG”) at”EAHA’s exclusive option.
11. Miscellaneous Terms.
All Bidders in the Auction acknowledge and agree, as a condition to the acceptance of a Bid by the Auctioneer, that:
a. These General Terms and Conditions and the Auction shall be construed and enforced in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California, regardless of the location of the Auction.
b. These General Terms and Conditions, and the information on EAHA’s website, constitute the entire Agreement between EAHA and the Bidder(s) and supersede all other agreements, understandings, warranties and representations of and concerning the Auction and subject matter hereof.
c. EAHA will not be responsible for damage due to irradiation by the U.S. Post Office.
d. If any part of these General Terms and Conditions, or any term or provision of any part is held to be invalid, void, or unenforceable by any court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining portion(s) shall remain and be in full force and effect.
12. Definitions
a. The term “Absentee Bid” shall mean all Bids placed via mail, phone, fax, email and website.
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e. The term “Bid” shall mean a bona fide Bid made by a “Bidder” which is officially acknowledged and accepted by the Auctioneer at the Auction on the Auction Date.
f. The term “Bidder” shall mean an individual or entity that submits a legally binding and bona fide Bid to the Auctioneer at the Auction.
g. The term “Catalog” shall mean the official publication issued by EAHA and transmitted to potential Bidder(s) in advance of the Auction.
h. The term “Cataloguer” shall mean the individual(s) that has described the “Lot(s)” contained in the Catalog for the Auction.
i. The term “Consignment Agreement” shall mean the written agreement(s) between “EAHA” and a given “Consignor” available at “EAHA’s” offices.
j. The term “Consignor” shall mean the owner of the “Merchandise” offered for sale by “Lot” at the Auction.
k. The term “Description” shall mean the written remarks describing the features of a Lot combined with the corresponding photograph of said Lot.
l. The term “LiveAuctioneers” shall mean the Internet accessible service provided by Live Auctioneers, LLC of New York, NY.
The term “iCollector” shall mean the Internet accessible service provided by iCollector Online Auctions Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada.
The term “ArtFact” shall mean the Internet accessible service provided by Artfact, LLC., Allston, MA 02134.
m. The term “EAHA” shall mean collectively Early American History Auctions, Inc. and/or any subsidiary or affiliated entity and/or Officer(s), Director(s) and/or employee(s) of EAHA.
n. The term “Fair Market Value” shall mean the sale price a given Lot is expected by the Cataloguer to realize at the Auction from the Bidder(s).
o. The term “Hammer Price” shall mean the successful Bid in the Auction as determined by the Auctioneer on the Auction Date.
p. The term “Holder” shall mean the original frame, container, case or clear plastic sleeve, labeled with the “Lot” number, in which the “Merchandise” is delivered by the Consignor to the successful Bidder at an Auction.
q. The term “Lot(s)” shall mean the article(s) comprising the Merchandise offered for sale at the Auction.
r. The term “Low Estimate” shall mean the low range of the sale price that a Lot is expected by the Cataloguer to realize at the Auction.
s. The term “Merchandise” shall mean personal property described in the Catalog and offered for sale by Lot at the Auction.
t. The term “Purchaser” shall mean the successful Bidder at the Auction on the Auction Date.
u. The term “Purchaser’s Premium” shall mean the commission that is automatically charged by “EAHA” to each successful Bidder at the Auction in a sum equal to eighteen percent (18%) of the “Hammer Price”.
v. The term “Reserve” is a confidential price below which the Auctioneer will not sell a given Lot, and/or will re-purchase on behalf of the Consignor or EAHA.
w. The term “Settlement Date” shall mean a time forty-five (45) days after the Auction Date.