Lot 138
James Buchanan (1791-1868, 15th President 1857-61). Manuscript free frank "Free James Buchanan" on folded cover addressed in his hand to Peter Wager in Philadelphia, postmarked "Washington, D.C./Jan 1" red datestamp and matching "Free" handstamp, docketed "Received Jany 2, 1843", 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.
Realized: $450