Details
VAN BUREN, MARTIN, President. Autograph letter signed ("M. Van Buren") as President, to Dr. Macauly of the American Life Ins[uran]ce and Trust Co., n.p. [postmarked Washington, D.C.] 6 February 1838. One page, 4to, integral blank, address panel on verso with postmarks, stamp "Free," and AUTOGRAPH FRANK: "Free M. VanBuren," short tears at folds, seal hole patched, but in otherwise good condition.
"I AM NOT IN THE HABIT OF GIVING LETTERS"
"My dear Sir, I send you the promised letter & sincerely wish you a pleasant voyage & safe return. As I am not in the habit of giving letters I wish you would not mention the subject. Very truly yours M Van Buren."
Though it has seldom been remarked on, autograph letters signed as President by Van Buren are unaccountably rare. A survey of auction records from 1970 to the present shows a grand total of only examples. Apparently the "Sage of Kinderhook" was, as he says, "not in the habit of giving letters" while President.
"I AM NOT IN THE HABIT OF GIVING LETTERS"
"My dear Sir, I send you the promised letter & sincerely wish you a pleasant voyage & safe return. As I am not in the habit of giving letters I wish you would not mention the subject. Very truly yours M Van Buren."
Though it has seldom been remarked on, autograph letters signed as President by Van Buren are unaccountably rare. A survey of auction records from 1970 to the present shows a grand total of only examples. Apparently the "Sage of Kinderhook" was, as he says, "not in the habit of giving letters" while President.