Lot #4

James Buchanan

Description

Maneuvering to acquire Cuba from a financially strapped Spain, President Buchanan awaits word from his representative

ALS as president, one page, 6.25 x 8, April 19, 1858. Letter to Christopher Fallon, a lawyer from Philadelphia, friend of Buchanan, and financial advisor to the Queen Mother, Maria Christina of Spain. In full: "I have received your favor of the 24 February from Cadiz with the Duplicate of yours of the 12th February. The original, however, came safely to hand. I owe you many thanks for your attention to the important business to which they relate; I place great reliance in your ability & sound judgement. I shall be happy to see you in this City as soon after your return to Philadelphia as may be convenient." In fine condition, with intersecting horizontal and vertical mailing fold.

At the time, President Buchanan was interested in purchasing Cuba from a deeply indebted Spain, and enlisted the help of Fallon, an old friend with close ties to the Spanish monarchy. Buchanan had sent Fallon to Europe to speak with leading European bankers in an attempt to get them to pressure the Spanish regime into parting with Cuba to raise money and cover their debts. As a fallback position, it was suggested at the time that Spain's Queen Isabella II be bribed into agreeing to the sale-a covert plan ultimately rejected by the US Congress, spelling an end to Buchanan's bid. The president was surely more optimistic as he sent this correspondence to Fallon, who at the time was still in Spain...with Buchanan eagerly awaiting his return and report on the negotiations. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RRAuction COA.

Auction Info

• Auction Title:
• Dates: #368 - Ended March 09, 2011

This item is Pre-Certified by PSA/DNA
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