Details
BUCHANAN, James (1791-1868), President. Autograph letter signed ("James Buchanan") as President, to Honble. F.W. Lincoln, Jr., Mayor of Boston, Mass.; Washington, 19 June 1858. 1 full page, 4to (7 7/8 x 6¼ in.), small discolorations at edges from old mount.
BUCHANAN DECLINES AN INDEPENDENCE DAY INVITATION FROM THE MAYOR OF BOSTON
An uncommon Buchanan autograph letter signed as President. In early 1858, in the midst of growing sectional tensions that threatened to tear the nation apart, Buchanan had become the target of vehement criticism from anti-slavery elements in the North for his support of the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution. Here, the embattled Democratic president declines an invitation to attend (and perhaps speak) at Independence Day observances in Boston, one of the centers of the abolitionist movement: "I have had the honor to receive your 'official invitation to participate with the City Government of Boston in the celebration of the approaching anniversary of American Independence'." Alluding to the important issues at hand, Buchanan declines the offer: "I should be much gratified were it in my power to accept this invitation & therefore deeply regret that public business will confine me in this city for several weeks to come."
Autograph letters of Buchanan as President are notably uncommon, though letters written before and after his term in office are quite plentiful.
BUCHANAN DECLINES AN INDEPENDENCE DAY INVITATION FROM THE MAYOR OF BOSTON
An uncommon Buchanan autograph letter signed as President. In early 1858, in the midst of growing sectional tensions that threatened to tear the nation apart, Buchanan had become the target of vehement criticism from anti-slavery elements in the North for his support of the pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution. Here, the embattled Democratic president declines an invitation to attend (and perhaps speak) at Independence Day observances in Boston, one of the centers of the abolitionist movement: "I have had the honor to receive your 'official invitation to participate with the City Government of Boston in the celebration of the approaching anniversary of American Independence'." Alluding to the important issues at hand, Buchanan declines the offer: "I should be much gratified were it in my power to accept this invitation & therefore deeply regret that public business will confine me in this city for several weeks to come."
Autograph letters of Buchanan as President are notably uncommon, though letters written before and after his term in office are quite plentiful.
Special notice
This lot is exempt from Sales Tax.