Lot 247
Buchanan, James (1791-1868) 15th president of the U.S. (1857-61); A congressman (1821-31) and senator (1834-45) from Pennsylvania. At first a Federalist, he became a conservative Democrat and was Pres. Polk's Secretary of State (1845-49) during the Mexican War. Under Pres. Pierce, he was (1853-56) minister to Great Britain and helped draft the Ostend Manifesto. In 1856 he was elected president. Believing slavery was morally wrong but not unconstitutional, he tried to keep the "sacred balance" between proslavery and antislavery factions, but his views alienated radicals in both North and South.
Document Signed ("James Buchanan"). As Secretary of State. Three pages, quarto, Washington DC, December 9, 1847. Being a certification of the official capacity of two justices of the peace named in the included pages. Appropriate seals and stamps, bound with faded blue ribbon, docketed on verso. Foxing and minor toning, two horizontal folds. Good to very good condition.
Buchanan was a very active civil servant, with over 40 years in public service as a state assemblyman, congressman, ambassador and Secretary of State.
Estimated Value $600 - 700.
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| Realized $575 |
