ALS, one page, 6.25 x 7.75, November 18, 1867. Letter to John C. White. In full: “In compliance with your request, I enclose my autograph on each of the cards you have sent. I ardently wish all the success you can desire for your Fair [the Chicago Sanitary Commission Fair]. That country which neglects to provide for the widows and orphans of brave soldiers who have poured out their blood to save it, is unworthy of such noble defenders. Thank God! From the efforts which are making every where in this patriotic cause, our Country will be free from such a reproach. The wonderful enterprise, wealth and liberality of the citizens of Chicago will cause them to set an example worthy of imitation to each other portions of the Union.” Archivally sleeved in acid-free Mylar. In fine condition, with intersecting folds, one through a first letter of signature, a few light creases to upper left corner, and a bit of trivial soiling.
The great irony here lies in the fifteenth president’s statement that a “country which neglects to provide for the widows and orphans of brave soldiers who have poured out their blood to save it, is unworthy of such noble defenders”—considering that it was inaction toward slavery and secession threats during his administration that created those widows and orphans. In his 1866 presidential memoirs, Buchanan defended his actions, and even the day before his 1868 death predicted that "history will vindicate my memory." However, historians continue to cite his failure to deal with secession as the worst presidential mistake ever made.
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