Lot 137
James Buchanan (1791-1868, 15th President 1857-61). Manuscript free frank "Free James Buchanan" on folded cover addressed in his hand to John Howard Payne in Washington, D.C., postmarked "Lancaster Pa. Mar. 16, 1861" green datestamp and "Free" handstamp, two vert. file folds, Very Fine.Estimate $300 - 400.
Buchanan served during the War of 1812. He was a Pennsylvania Congressman, Minister to Russia, Senator, Secretary of State under Polk and Minister to Great Britain. He defeated Republican John Fremont in 1856 by promising continued stability between the North and South. During his administration, he ignored victims of the economic Panic of 1857 and left the secession of the Southern states to Lincoln.
The cover is addressed to John Howard Payne, who was a playwright and actor. In 1842 he was appointed by President Tyler to be the American consul at Tunis in Africa. Payne died in Tunis in 1852. He was buried in St. George's Protestant Cemetery in Tunis. In 1883, his remains were disinterred, brought to the U.S., and reburied in Oak Hill Cemetery, Washington DC.
Realized: $450