15th US President, the only president to remain a bachelor his entire life. A popular and active Democratic politician, he served as Franklin Pierce's Minister to the United Kingdom. It was his misfortune to preside over the ever-deepening secession crisis, and his lack of action during that critical time has brought criticism ever since. When he left office he presented his successor, Abraham Lincoln, with a fractured country and a looming civil war. Superb manuscript letter to Postmaster General James Campbell, dated March 26, 1853, entirely in Buchanan's hand. Excellent political content concerning the political appointment process and how offices were distributed. A terrific, and scathingly accurate, assessment of the realities of politics from a master politician. Buchanan thanks Campbell for actions on behalf of a protégé, and commiserates concerning obstacles to the advancement of an apparent Campbell favorite. "True policy, as well as an honest heart," he writes, "dictates that one should be true to his friends." A fantastic item, one of the best Buchanan documents we've ever seen. $3500.00