PRESIDENT JAMES BUCHANAN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 04/19/1847 - HFSID 253990

JAMES BUCHANAN
James Buchanan autographed and signed a handwritten letter as Secretary of State, advising a job seeker.
ALS: "James Buchanan" as Polk's Secretary of State, 1 page, 8x10. Washington, 1847 April 19. To Henry Myers, Esq. In full: "Although I have omitted to answer your letter, I did not neglect to speak to Mr Walker on the subject.He promised to write to Colonel Page in your favor; which he has doubtless done. He never directs the Colonel to make any appointment; because this is not within his power. I fully recognize your claims upon me as an old & valued friend: and have only to regret my wants of power to obtain an Inspectorship for you. I have never yet recommended any person to Colonel Page; because I have no reason to believe that my recommendation would be regarded. You might ascertain from him whether he has received a letter on the subject from Mr. Walker." JAMES BUCHANAN, a former U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania (1821-1831), U.S. Minister to Russia (1832-1833) and U.S. Senator (1834-1845), became the leading member of the conservative wing of the Democratic Party. He was appointed Secretary of State as a reward for campaigning for James K. Polk in the presidential election of 1844. Much of Polk's success in territorial expansion was due to the efforts of his Secretary of State. Robert J. Walker was Buchanan's colleague in Polk's Cabinet, serving as Secretary of the Treasury from 1845-1849. Colonel James Page was Collector of the Port of Philadelphia from 1846-1849 and was very influential in Democratic politics.  Vertical fold touches the "J" in Buchanan's signature.  A 4x5¼-inch shaded rectangle is about center in the letter.  Lightly creased.  Two ¼-inch separations at upper blank vertical folds are repaired on verso.  Pinhead-sized holes at blank crossfolds. Pencil note in unknown hand on verso. Overall, fine condition.