|
Sale 86
|
|
press UP arrow key to increase the zoom ratio.
press DOWN arrow key to decrease the zoom ratio.
press RIGHT arrow key to increase the zoom window size.
press LEFT arrow key to decrease the zoom window size.
|
|
Lot 541
Buchanan, James. Manuscript quotation signed as Secretary of State, 1 page, Washington, late 1848. Being an excerpt from a letter, meant for publication, that President James K. Polk had Secretary of State Buchanan send to William V. Voorhees, the on-site agent of the United States in California, containing the official statement of policy of the United States government and conveying to the people of California the lofty views of President Polk respecting their condition and prospects.
The excerpt reads: "Whilst the other nations of the world are distracted by domestic dissensions, and are involved in a struggle between the privileges of the few and the rights of the many, Heaven has blessed our happy land with a Government which secures equal rights to all our citizens, and has produced Peace, Happiness and Contentment throughout our borders. It has combined Liberty with Order, and all the sacred and indefeasible rights of the citizens with the strictest observance of law…." Written in brackets after this is "From the letter of Mr. Buchanan, Secretary of State of the U.S. conveying to the people of California the views of President Polk respecting their condition and prospects.--October 7, 1848." The quotation is signed by James Buchanan and a scroll at lower left has "Signature autograph."
California became the property of the United States after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed in February 1848 (effective May 30) ended the Mexican-American War (1846-48). After Mexican authority lapsed, the U.S. government did not step immediately into the breach and Californians were concerned about their status. On August 14, 1848, President Polk signed "An act to establish certain postal routes" and "to make arrangements for the establishment of post offices and for the transmission, receipt and conveyance of letters in Oregon and California." William V. Voorhees was named the U.S. agent for this purpose
With the discovery of gold on the American River near Sacramento on January 24, 1848, came a huge increase in population and a pressing need for civil government. The Gold Rush hastened California's entry into the Union as the 31st state on 9 September 1850.
The body of this manuscript was written for Buchanan by Adam J. Glossbrenner, who was Clerk of the State Department during Buchanan's tenure there. Glossbrenner was later Sergeant-at-Arms for the House of Representatives and then Buchanan's private secretary.
Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500.
The Arden Family Holdings of Beverly Hills.
|
| |
| Realized $1,380 |
|
