September 5-7, 2023 Firearms & Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/6/2023
2-page 1836 letter on bifolium sheet signed by Martin Van Buren, (1782-1862,) U.S. Senator, N.Y. Governor, U.S. Secretary of State, Vice-President, eighth President of the US 1837-41. Letter concerns an office and finding suitable quarters for “Mrs. Butler,” presumably the recipient’s wife. This is likely Benjamin Franklin Butler (1795-1858,) who clerked and read law with Van Buren, who became Butler’s mentor, welcomed him into his law practice and political circle in Albany, where he became District Attorney for Albany and a New York Assemblyman. Van Buren secured Butler’s appointment as Attorney General under Andrew Jackson, whom Van Buren served as Vice President, in 1833. Butler served in that post until 1838. Van Buren’s solicitude for Mrs. Butler may reflect some of his own experiences while Secretary of State and the "Petticoat Affair" that threw Jackson’s cabinet into turmoil, and led to his own offer to resign. CONDITION: Very good. Framed. Vertical repair on fold. Comes with James Spence Authentication Full Letter of Authenticity.