ALS, one page both sides, 7.5 x 9.75, August 1, 1845. Letter to Lucius Burce. In full: “I have received yours of the 4th ultimo with the strong accompanying testimonials soliciting your appointment to a diplomatic consular office. These have been submitted to the President who requests me to inform you that before their arrival he had elected all the diplomatic agents whom he intends to appoint for the present. In regard to consulships;—there are but few the emoluments of which would be sufficient to support you abroad; and these few had also been filled. Nearly all our consularships are valuable only to commercial men engaged in business abroad. Your recommendations will be placed on file in this Department & may be of service to you at some future day. They are of a character which abundantly prove your merits & qualifications.” In very good condition, with intersecting folds, one through a single letter of signature, mounting remnants to top of back page, some scattered light toning, and show-through from docketing on reverse.
In 1845, Mayor Bierce of Akron, Ohio, requested a diplomatic position abroad. As a participant in the ill-fated 1837 Canadian Rebellion, the United States government prosecuted the general for violating Canada's neutrality, but the indictment was thrown out by public demand, however, it possibly sealed his ambitions as a diplomat. In this letter Polk had filled all available positions and Buchanan informed the mayor that nothing with adequate compensation was available, but kept Bierce's application "on file in this Department & may be of service to you at some future day." On July 7, Buchanan learned the Mexican congress had declared war on the United States and Zachary Taylor received orders to "occupy, protect and defend Texas." In the next few years the future president earned his diplomacy chops as the Mexican War erupted, the United States annexed Texas, and he negotiated with the British the northern border of Oregon. For Bierce, the call to duty came during the Civil War when Lincoln named him the Assistant Adjutant General of the US Volunteers with the rank of major. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.
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