Description:

Martin Van Buren ALS to Albany Regency Crony Re: His Nomination for U.S. Bank Director

A 1p autograph letter signed by future 8th U.S. President Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) as "M. V. Buren" at center right. Written in "Washington City" on December 31, 1821 on a single leaf of paper. Expected paper folds. Several well-creased folds have tiny breaks which have been discretely repaired verso. Isolated foxing and a minor closed tear in the upper left hand corner, else near fine. 7.875" x 9.5." Accompanied by a vintage print of Van Buren after a painting done by Alonzo Chappel. Darkened and chipped edges, else near fine. 8" x 10.75."

Van Buren penned this hasty missive to his friend and political ally Charles E. Dudley (1780-1841):

"Washington City
Dec 31st 1821

My dear Sir,

You have been again nominated for U.S. director of the Bank of the U.S. & your nomination this moment ratified by the Senate --

Yours faithfully
M. V. Buren

M. Dudley."

Van Buren knew about Dudley's nomination because he was then a sitting U.S. Senator from New York. (Van Buren would serve in this capacity between 1821-1828.) Dudley was a crony of Van Buren's, and a member of the so-called Albany Regency of Democratic-Republican politicians who dominated New York state government for nearly 20 years, until 1838. Van Buren headed up the Albany Regency, which was one of the earliest political machines formed in the United States.

On December 27, 1821, President James Monroe nominated five individuals to serve as directors of the Second Bank of the United States (this iteration of the national bank was established in 1816 and liquidated in 1841). These nominees included Charles E. Dudley from New York; James Wilson of Baltimore; and Langdon Cleves, John Connelly, and Pierce Butler of Philadelphia. It does not appear that Dudley's nomination to the board of bank directors was ever confirmed. Rather, Dudley served as Mayor of Albany between 1821-1824 and 1828-1829; as a New York State Senator between 1820-1825; and as a U.S. Senator from New York between 1829-1833.

Martin Van Buren served as president between 1837-1841.

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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