Description:

Martin Van Buren
Kinderhook, NY, June 18, 1848
Martin Van Buren: "I cannot be a candidate" of the Free Soil Party, Superb ALS!
ALS

Martin Van Buren (1782-1862). Autograph Letter Signed, "M Van Buren," 2pp bifolium, 7.75" x 9.75", Lindenwald, Kinderhook, New York, June 18, 1848. Docketed at verso. Integral address leaf with remnants of red wax seal. Expected folds and creases. Minor discoloration with scattered foxing. Ink show-through. A few small areas of mounting tissue at top edges, not affecting text. Overall, in very good condition.

From his Lindenwald estate, Van Buren writes to law partner Benjamin F. Butler. Marked "Private" on the address panel, the letter reads, in part: "I cannot by any means or under any circumstance be a candidate & will give such reasons as will be satisfactory to the Convention. The last question as it stood in your draft I ought not for obvious reasons to say anything about. I have however altered my opinion & think a nomination inevitable & expedient. I did not answer your letter in regard to the expediency of your writing to the Genl. but I did not like to dissuade you. I could not under the circumstances encourage you...I was delighted with your speech..."

Despite what he wrote in this letter, Van Buren would end up running as the Free Soil party candidate in the 1848 presidential election. Although he received no electoral votes, he garnered 10.1% of the popular vote, the strongest popular vote performance by a third party up to that point in U.S. history.

Benjamin Franklin Butler (1795-1858) was a lawyer from the state of New York. A professional and political ally of Martin Van Buren, among the many elective and appointive positions he held were District Attorney of Albany County from 1821 to 1825, 12th U.S. Attorney General from 1833 to 1838, and U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York from 1845 to 1848. Butler was also instrumental in founding New York University in 1831 and served in various capacities with the university from its inception.

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: 7.75" x 9.75"
  • Artist Name: Martin Van Buren
  • Medium: ALS

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