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DECLINING TO FORGO RETIREMENT TO HEAL
DIVISIVENESS ON SLAVERY
371
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VAN BUREN, MARTIN. Autograph Letter Signed, “M.Van Buren,” to Edward
G.W. Butler, stating that his own inaction with regard to his proposal is not due to lack of
respect, expressing regret that slavery has so divided the country, acknowledging that the
New York Democratic Party has power to harmonize but only at the level of the State,
stating that the problem is beyond the powers of any man, and declining to leave retire-
ment to help. 3 pages, 4to, written on a single folded sheet; some scattered words
throughout text traced over in an unknown hand (signature not affected), few mostly
closed tears at edges with minor loss to text. With the original envelope, with Franking
Signature (“Free / M.Van Buren”) and addressed in his hand. (AKF)
Lindenwald, 3 October 1855
[800/1,200]
“
I regret . . . the present inauspicious condition of the country, upon the slave subject. . . . I . . .
know, by repeated experience how potent the influence which the united Democracy of New
York may be made to exercise healing public disorders . . . & am sincerely friendly to the
restoration of harmony to its ranks. In regard to State affairs, that result is being brought about .
. . ; but, in regard to Federal politics, the task is far more difficult; &, I fear, far beyond the
power of my individual efforts of any man.”
TO HIS SON: “I THINK PIERCE’S ELECTION SECURE”
370
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TYLER, JOHN. Autograph Letter Signed, “Y’r Father / John Tyler,” to his son
Robert, with Franking Signature (“J.Tyler”) on address leaf, mentioning trips to Saratoga
and West Point, asking whether he received the advertisement for Kentucky land intended
for the Philadephia newspapers, asking how much money his brother Tazewell needs to
attend college, stating that [Franklin] Pierce’s election seems likely, and in a postscript, ask-
ing for clarification for the remedy his friend suggested. 1
1
/
2
pages, 4to, pale blue and ruled
paper, with integral address leaf
addressed in his hand; minor bleed-
through to both pages, remnants of
prior mounting at two points on ter-
minal page, small hole from seal tear in
address leaf. (AKF)
“Castleton, Staten Island,”
21 September 1852
[1,500/2,500]
“
From all I hear and see I think Pierce’s
election secure. My only fear is that he may
carry into office something of the old
leaves[?] which has gone so far towards pros-
trating the Democratic Party. . . .”
WITH
—
John Tyler. Two partly-printed
invitations, unsigned, accomplished in
unknown hands. The first, to Miss Payne,
on March 4, 1842. The second, to Vice
President Elect George M. Dallas on
February 19, [1845]. Each 8vo.
370