Van Buren, Martin. (1782-1862) 8th President of the United States, 1837-1841.
Autograph Letter Signed as U.S. Senator. Two pages, recto/verso, Quarto, with integral address leaf, n.p., September 1, 1823. To a Judge Miller. Written two years into Van Buren's tenure as U.S. Senator from New York, this exceptional letter reveals the behind-the-scenes maneuvering and patronage of the "spoils system" that characterized the politics of New York that Van Buren came to control and dominate as leader of the "Albany Regency," a cabal of practiced politicians who combined their resources in office and jointly used their power to control state politics.
In 1821 Van Buren, the new Senator from New York, was made a member of the Congressional convention charged with revising the constitution of the state of New York. Because his party was not strong enough at this time to send him from his own district, he was sent to represent Otsego County. Senator Van Buren took an active part, advocating a moderate course of reform, the limited extension of suffrage, and legislative reforms that would take power away from the assembly and transfer it to the governor, giving that office the power of veto. This convention was instrumental in making Van Buren's reputation, but his activity was largely directed by party politics and alliances.
This letter, written in 1823, finds Van Buren using his ties and influence to secure an appointment in what is probably the State legislature. He writes:
"My dear Judge/ I have been disappointed in not hearing from you or any one else before on the subject of the Otsego [seat or suit]. I infer however that Mr. H. will be able to provide himself with other counsel and will be well pleased to find my influence counts. Our young Price from N[ew] York is waiting here to go out with me. I will thank you to drop me a line by return post that I may either retain or send him off with certainty. I sincerely pray that Mrs. Miller's health is restored or that she is at least out of danger. If she is well enough to [?] of it, be so good as to express my most affectionate regard for her. Your friend, MV Buren." Word from Judge Miller will decide Van Buren on what he is to do with Price, and he is clearly anxious about what is either a "seat" on the New York state legislature, or a law "suit" originating in Otsego County. Much depends upon this word, which is difficult to make out in the text.
A fascinating letter, full of political design, which seems to call forth the observation on Van Buren made by his political rival, John Quincy Adams: "There are many features in the character of Mr. Van Buren strongly resembling that of Mr. Madison - his calmness, his gentleness of manner, his discretion, his easy and conciliatory temper. But Madison had none of his obsequiousness, his sycophancy, his profound dissimulation and duplicity."
There is a very slight area of abraded paper, and a small tear on the right edge, neither affecting text, with some separation at fold of address leaf, which has been expertly repaired. The address leaf, which bears the word "An - " , has two small pieces of tape, and a minor area of paper loss at the extreme right verso corner.
Estimated Value $2,000-3,000.
