Lot 615
Polk, James K. 11th President of the United States, 1845-1849.
Autograph Letter Signed ("James K. Polk"). As U.S. Representative. One and a half pages, recto and verso, quarto, Washington D.C., March 17, 1832. In black ink. To newsman Samuel H. Laughlin. Polk has added a postscript, signing again with initials. With two vertical and three horizontal folds, two minor splits at intersection of folds, a few spots of staining in upper half and at lower corner. In good condition overall.
In this letter to a longtime friend, Polk writes to Laughlin about the farm, known as Royal Place, that the pair had purchased together: "It will not suit me to purchase your interest in our partnership land. I am as well as yourself considerably indebted and will have use for all my funds…". Unfortunately, Laughlin's earlier offer was poorly timed as Tennessean crop failures in 1832 had created immediate and severe financial problems for farmers.
Later in the letter, Polk responds to Laughlin's request for governmental gossip: "I do not know that I can communicate to you any thing more in politics than what you see in the newspapers…". Interestingly, though tight-lipped here, Polk had often used Laughlin's newspapers as a vehicle for his platforms, and Polk's investments had initially helped Laughlin establish his newspaper.
Estimated Value $2,000 - 2,500.
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