ALS, one page both sides, 8 x 10, February 6, 1846. Letter to Francis W. Pickens, a prominent South Carolinian. In part: “I rejoice that you approve our course in regard to Oregon. Had the notice been given quietly & peacefully, I think it would have had a happy effect in England. It certainly would not & could not have been construed as a war measure. United Counsels & a determined front cautiously avoiding any thing which would appear menacing is our true policy in the face of a nation now armed to the teeth. Great Britain, at the present moment, is as well prepared for war as she ever has been in the course of her history; though the eventual consequences might be fatal to herself...There is an English lady here, Mrs. Maury, who, I have no doubt, intends to write a book. Her feelings towards this country are of the most kind & liberal character & she has both the capacity & the inclination to do us justice. I have been indoctrinating her upon the subject of Southern slavery & the kind manner in which slaves are treated by their masters. I find that she has conversed freely with Mr. Calhoun upon this subject. When she visits the South, I intend to give her a letter to you...” Intersecting mailing folds, one through a single letter of signature, some scattered light toning, a few small edge chips and dings, otherwise fine condition.
Although a Pennsylvania native, Buchanan offered strong and consistent support to pro-slavery interests and was disturbed by what he saw as the irresponsible agitation of the abolitionists. As this incredible letter clearly demonstrates, he hoped to avoid conflict by working with factions promoting the rights of slave owners.
Americans on both sides of the slavery issue courted the good opinion of the British. Buchanan appreciated Mr. Pickens’ approval of the negotiation of the Oregon Treaty with England and exhorted him to join his fellow South Carolinian, John Calhoun, in offering hospitality to an English visitor, Sarah Mytton Maury. After being courted by Buchanan, Calhoun and others, Mrs. Maury would go on to write An Englishwoman in America, heaping flowery praise on the American slave system.
In August of this same year, Frederick Douglass met resounding approval in Exeter, England, upon delivering an address entitled “A Call for the British Nation to Testify Against Slavery.” In spite of Buchanan’s efforts to appease the South, the horrors of slavery could not be concealed and the country would descend into civil war 15 years later. This unique document provides insight into the future president’s embrace of a system that seems indefensible in modern times. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.
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