Description:

Van Buren Martin

Martin Van Buren Partial DS Co-Signed by his Political Rival & Alleged Embezzler, NYC Port Collector Samuel Swartwout

Portion of a document signed by 8th U.S. President Martin Van Buren (1782-1862) as "MVanBuren" at center right. Signed in the state of New York (almost certainly New York City) on May 19, 1837. Also co-signed by Secretary of State John Forsyth (1780-1841) as "John Forsyth" and Samuel Swartwout, Collector of the Port of New York (1783-1856) as "Sam. Swartwout / Collector." This last signee was Van Buren's political rival, and was framed for embezzling by the sitting President less than a year later. On partly printed and partly handwritten vellum. Expected wear including light folds and darkening commensurate with age. A few isolated pin holds, else very good to near fine. 7.25" x 4.875". Ex Ray V. Denslow (see bio below).

"Given under my Hand and the Seal of the United States of America the Nineteenth day of May in the year of our Lord thousand eight-hundred and thirty seven…"

The Collector of the Port of New York was a prestigious position, and one responsible for collecting the bulk of the customs proceeds for the entire federal government. President Van Buren's predecessor Andrew Jackson had appointed Samuel Swartwout city port collector in 1829. Van Buren disliked Swartwout and opposed his appointment. After Swartwout's tenure expired in March 1828, evidence suggests that President Van Buren "adjusted" the books to make it look like Swartwout had stolen over $1,000,000 and then absconded to England. This was at best a manipulation of the facts, and at worst an outright lie. Swartwout had indeed retained over $200,000 of port monies to settle any pending claims, but he ultimately repaid this money.

Martin Van Buren broke with three traditions when he assumed the Presidency in 1829: he was the first U.S. President born after the American Revolution, the first one not to speak English as a native language, and the first one not to have attended university. Of Dutch ancestry, Van Buren gained political experience serving in New York state politics and as Governor of New York. He resigned from the governorship after only two months to assume his new role as 10th U.S. Secretary of State under the Jackson administration. Van Buren’s life-long commitment to American politics is often overshadowed by his failure to win presidential re-election. Van Buren's unpopularity was caused mostly by his response to the Panic of 1837, one of the first recessions the United States had experienced.

Provenance

Ray V. Denslow (1885-1960), a fourth generation Freemason, and internationally renowned Masonic historian, having written over 20 full volumes and 62 booklets on Masonic subjects. He held extensive positions as a Freemason over his lifetime including Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter R.A.M. of Missouri and as Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Missouri. Perhaps his greatest national honor was that of serving as General Grand High Priest of the General Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons, from 1942-46. He was Grand Master of the Knights of the York Cross of Honor in 1949; Grand Sovereign of the Red Cross of Constantine in 1943; Grand Chancellor of the Grand College of Rites; Great Prior of the Chevaliers Bienfaisants de la Cité Sainte, U.S.A. in 1952; and Grand Abbot of the Society of Blue Friars at the time of his death. He held almost 100 honorary memberships in Masonic groups stretching from France to the Philippines.



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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