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Sale 2
Lot 73
Van Buren, Martin. William Leggett was a supporter of free trade, direct taxation, and firmly believed in the right of the working-man to organize. He, together with William Cullen Bryant, expounded their views on these subjects to a large national audience through the Saturday Evening Post. They were also fierce advocates of abolition. During the winter of 1835-6, Leggett became ill and had to curtail much of his journalistic output. As a result of his condition, Bryant prevailed upon Van Buren to secure a position for Leggett in the interest of his declining health. The diplomatic post being made available to him here by Van Buren was special envoy to Guatemala--Leggett, however, would not live to see the tropical climes of his new appointment. He died May 20, 1839, exactly one month and one day from the date of this letter.
Matted and dramed with plaque and inscription to an overall size of 22½ x 19". 8th President of the United States, 1837-1841.
Autograph Letter Signed as President. Four pages, Two-sided, Quarto. Washington City, Sept. 21, 1839. A lengthy ALS marked "Confidential" at the head. Written to Benjamin Franklin Butler, 1795-1858, former law partner of Van Buren. Butler served as Attorney General under Jackson (1833-1836) and as Secretary of War (1836-7). Also served as U.S. Attorney for the state of New York (southern district) under Presidents Van Buren (1838-41) and Polk (1845-48). It was while serving in his position as U.S. Attorney that he received this letter.
President Martin Van Buren offers a post as foreign emissary to William Leggett, an editor of the Saturday Evening Post and proponent of the Locofocos.
President Van Buren pens (in full):
"My Dear Sir
Mr. Bryant [William Cullen Bryant, 1794-1878, poet and editor of the New York Evening Post, 1829-78. One of the leading Democratic voices in the nation, he was also an ardent abolitionist and would become one of the founders of the Republican Party.] has in conjunction with some other friends of Mr. Leggett recommended that gentleman to me for the place of Surveyor of the Port of New York. It would certainly give me pleasure to [do] any proper thing in my power for Mr. L. not only on his account, but also to gratify Mr. B. & from a conviction that Mr. L. would discharge any duty imposed upon him with integrity & ability. The place ref'd to does not become vacant in its regular course for some time, & I have not as yet decided upon anticipating that event. Mr. E. Moore [Ely Moore, 1798-1860, Chairman of the National Trades' Union, and Rep. from New York to Congress (1934-39)]. Then served as surveyor of the port of New York before moving west to Kansas] has also been proposed upon me for it long before Mr. L.'s name was brought forward. The movement in regards to Mr. M. proceeded, so far as my knowledge extends, from our friends & integrity of his political course have taken a clear interest in his receiving some appointment. So that matter stands. A temporary employment has presented itself, which would, it strikes me, be very acceptable to Mr. Leggett as a provision for the time being and which it would in most event[s] afford me sincere pleasure to bestow upon him. I have decided to break up our Legation in Central America as unnecessary & to inform Mr. DeWitt when he was here. Instructions were on their way to him when his last catastrophe occurred, directing him to repair to his post-obtain his ratification & exchange of a treaty which has been concluded with that government-explain my reasons for closing the Legation & place the archives in proper hands… it will now become necessary to do this by a special & confidential agent sent for the sole purpose. The trust is of a responsible and honorable character, and a visit to that part of the world [would] not be destitute of interest. It would probably occupy the agent half a year, & the pay will be $8 a day and all reasonable expenses paid by the government. I will thank you to consult with Mr. Bryant & if he thinks it will probably be agreeable to Mr. Leggett to undertake it you may propose it to him. Make my respects to both & believe me to be / very truly yours // M.Van Buren".
Very Fine.
Estimated Value $2,500-UP.
Ex Profiles in History.
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