49

James Buchanan

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Autographs Start Price:NA Estimated At:600.00 - 800.00 USD
James Buchanan

Bidding Over

The auction is over for this lot.
The auctioneer wasn't accepting online bids for this lot.

Contact the auctioneer for information on the auction results.

Search for other lots to bid on...
Auction Date:2016 May 11 @ 18:00 (UTC-5 : EST/CDT)
Location:236 Commercial St., Suite 100, Boston, Massachusetts, 02109, United States
ALS - Autograph Letter Signed
ANS - Autograph Note Signed
AQS - Autograph Quotation Signed
AMQS - Autograph Musical Quotation Signed
DS - Document Signed
FDC - First Day Cover
Inscribed - “Personalized”
ISP - Inscribed Signed Photograph
LS - Letter Signed
SP - Signed Photograph
TLS - Typed Letter Signed
ALS, one page both sides, 6.75 x 8.25, March 17, 1862. Letter to family friend Laura Pleasanton, in part: “I am living here in peace & contentment & should be a happy man were it not for the troubles of the country. Through the blessing of providence I enjoy better health than I had reason to expect at my age which is now nearly seventy one. How changed must be the society of Washington! To me the resident society was charming. Indeed I had vainly hoped to pass a portion of every year with you; but this dream of happiness like so many others has been dissipated. A new society now predominates instead of the old familiar faces & one in which to say the least, I would not be welcome. I scarcely understand your request concerning the ‘Power of attorney of attorney [sic] for brother to execute.’ There seems to be some confusion in this matter. The two certificates belong, I presume, to your father’s estate & were, therefore, taken in my name as trustee under his will. They are in trust for Clementine & yourself & therefore, I presume you could draw the interest without any power from me. If not let Hopkins send me a blank power of attorney to yourselves such as you desire to draw the interest, or to any other person for your use, & I shall execute & return it immediately.” In fine condition. His reputation marred by his poor handling of the gradual Southern succession, Buchanan left office at the very nadir of his popularity. Written a year after leaving the White House, this letter reveals a glimpse into how Buchanan would defend his presidency for the remainder of his life.