Lot 12
[Buchanan, James] -- Partial Draft of an 1860 Speech on Constitutional Grounds for Intervention in Seceding States. Contemporary copy, in a secretarial hand, 3pp, 9½x6", np, nd. Looking to his successor, as the clouds of war approach, President Buchanan wants to set out what the President can and cannot do in the event states secede. A few excerpts: "Within their respective spheres of action the federal government and the government of a state are both of them independent and supreme. Each of these governments is utterly powerless beyond the limits assigned to it by the Constitution. To the President is confided the duty of seeing that the laws be faithfully executed. But the powers given him for this object are only to be used in the manner prescribed by the legislative department. He cannot accomplish a legal purpose by illegal means, or break laws himself to prevent them from being broken by others….The President cannot declare, make or prosecute a war. Congress alone may do so…." Much more interesting content. Beautifully penned, with transcription. Estimated Value $250 - UP
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