Details
BUCHANAN, James (1791-1868), President. Autograph letter signed ("James Buchanan") to Robert Tyler (1816-1877), Wheatland, Pa., 7 May 1851. 1 pages, 4to, integral autograph address panel, torn seal repaired, postmarked 'Lancaster, Pa.', endorsed on verso "In relation to Frank Clintons opposition to him etc." Fine condition.
"THE APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS IN THE MEXICAN WAR NEARLY RUINED ME POLITICALLY"
An excellent political letter to the son of late President John Tyler. Robert Tyler, an attorney, chief clerk of the State Supreme Court and leader of the Democratic party in Pennsylvania, actively promoted the political ambitions of Buchanan. As Secretary of State in Polk's administration during the Mexican war, Buchanan writes candidly on the risks of allowing state political pressures to influence the appointment of army officers. Referring to Frank Clinton, "a good, frank clever fellow," Buchanan writes: "Most gladly would I have complied with his request had this been in my power. The appointments of officers in the Mexican war nearly ruined me politically in Pennsylvania. The President was guided in these appointments by the Democratic members of Congress...& by some means or other [Simon] Cameron [1799-1899] had a consulting influence over them. Things came to such a pass at last that I solemnly protested against any more military appointments being made from Pennsylvania without my knowledge & against my will; & so many blunders had been committed that the President yielded & after this no more mistakes were made." The following year Buchanan was a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination but lost to Pierce, for whom he campaigned, earning the reward of the post of Minister to Great Britain.
"THE APPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS IN THE MEXICAN WAR NEARLY RUINED ME POLITICALLY"
An excellent political letter to the son of late President John Tyler. Robert Tyler, an attorney, chief clerk of the State Supreme Court and leader of the Democratic party in Pennsylvania, actively promoted the political ambitions of Buchanan. As Secretary of State in Polk's administration during the Mexican war, Buchanan writes candidly on the risks of allowing state political pressures to influence the appointment of army officers. Referring to Frank Clinton, "a good, frank clever fellow," Buchanan writes: "Most gladly would I have complied with his request had this been in my power. The appointments of officers in the Mexican war nearly ruined me politically in Pennsylvania. The President was guided in these appointments by the Democratic members of Congress...& by some means or other [Simon] Cameron [1799-1899] had a consulting influence over them. Things came to such a pass at last that I solemnly protested against any more military appointments being made from Pennsylvania without my knowledge & against my will; & so many blunders had been committed that the President yielded & after this no more mistakes were made." The following year Buchanan was a contender for the Democratic presidential nomination but lost to Pierce, for whom he campaigned, earning the reward of the post of Minister to Great Britain.