Description:

Martin Van Buren
Lindenwald, NY, October 27, 1857
Martin Van Buren 7pp. ALS Giving Advice to His Attorney General
ALS

A lengthy autograph letter signed by Martin Van Buren to his Attorney General. 7pp on two bifolium, measuring 4.75" x 8", Lindenwald, dated October 27, 1857. Signed "M. Van Buren" and addressed to Henry D. Gilpin. Van Buren offers his advice on the Gilpins selling their large house in favor of a smaller dwelling. It appears that the letter was once bound in a volume and was damaged along the left extreme margin when removed. Repairs have been made, but there is some loss to lettering. Pages are silked. Contemporary ink smudges, with a smudge to the "B" of Van Buren's signature. Boldly signed.

Reading in part:
"The more I think of it the more I regret to have lost the pleasure of a visit from Mrs. Gilpin & yourself. Standing as you both do at the head of friends that are left to me, I feel such a privation very sensibly at my time of life. It seems to have been unavoidable but we must try to manage much better in future. I would not have much difficulty in making a second best arrangement for a southern trip but will, I am inclined to think, in the end, make up my mind that it'll be better to stay home… you have I think decided quite right in regard to giving up Rittenhouse Square. The consideration you refer to is conclusive. No more…might not that object be as well if not better accomplished by selling your house and buying another in the same neighborhood? Your House & Lot must, I should think, be very saleable…"

Henry Dilworth Gilpin (1801-1860) was appointed Attorney General of the United States in 1840 and served for one year. He is perhaps best remembered for having presented the U.S. government's side of the Amistad case to the U.S. Supreme Court against John Quincy Adams' defense of the Africans.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 4.75" x 8"
  • Medium: ALS

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August 27, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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