Description:

A great piece of financial history James Buchanan writes a letter concerning multiple fiscal and personal matters to his friend Stephen Pleasonton's daughter Laura just a year before his death.

JAMES BUCHANAN (1791-1868) Autograph Letter Signed "James Buchanan", 1.5p., 6.5" x 8", front and verso . Lancaster, Pennsylvania, July 25, 1867. Letter written in a slightly shaky hand reflecting Buchanan's age and impending death. Mailing folds else fine condition. Original postmarked envelope in Buchanan's hand included.

This letter was written to the daughter (Laura) of his deceased friend, Stephen Pleasonton (1776?-1855). The content of the last paragraph concerns her father's estate. Stephen Pleasonton was the first "Fifth Auditor" of the United States' Treasury Department. However, he is best known for singularly saving the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution, along with many other invaluable early government documents. Right before the burning of Washington D.C. in 1814, then Secretary of State James Monroe charged Pleasonton with preserving the books and papers of the State Department. After removing the documents from the newly built White House, Pleasonton hid them thirty-seven miles away, in Leesburg, Virginia. Several weeks passed before the documents could be successfully returned to Washington.

In full, "My dear Laura, I received your favor the 20th, and rejoiced to learn that you are getting along so well in the management of your own affairs. I shall be ever ready and willing to give you my advice when requested. I shall send the Certificate for 11 Shares of the stock in the Hazelton Coal Company to have it exchanged for the like number of shares in the Hazleton R.R. Company when I next go to Lancaster. You may, therefore, consider this as done. Mr. & Mrs. Johnston wish the Baby & nurse left here on Thursday last for the Beaford Springs. She will return here & pass the months of August & September with me. I hope that after you have paid your visits to your brother and Josephine you may favor us with a visit of a fortnight or as much longer as you may find it agreeable. If you could come in October, this would be charming. I do not intend to visit the Beaford Springs this season. If I should go any where it will be to Long Branch [,NJ] or Cape May [,NJ] for a few days. I have not the least news to communicate which would be of any interest to you. With my love to Clemmie, I remain Your affectionate friend (signed) James Buchanan"

The "Mr. & Mrs. Johnston" mentioned in the letter are almost certainly Henry Elliott Johnston, a Baltimore banker, and his wife, Harriet Lane Johnston, Buchanan's niece who served as his first lady during his presidency. Lane Johnston has been regarded as the first of the "modern first ladies" (Wikipedia) for her advocacy work and fashion. Harriet was so beloved by her country that she has drawn comparisons to Jackie Kennedy for her popularity.

The Hazleton Coal and Rail Road Company were incorporated in 1836 by Ariovistus Pardee. The company soon became so successful that it not only built the first school and church in the town of Hazleton, but Pardee was also able to build himself a mansion before the town even appeared on national registers. The coal mined in Hazleton was used fuel the blast furnaces at the Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

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