Title:
James Buchanan Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) – March 7, 1842 – Senate Committee on Pensions – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Autograph #85865405

Description:
Handwritten letter signed by James Buchanan, dated Washington, March 7, 1842, written entirely in brown ink on a single sheet. Addressed to Mr. William Rheimer, the letter discusses the findings of the Senate Committee on Pensions in the case of Mary Wolf, explaining that the committee's report could not be overturned without the presentation of new evidence.

Buchanan's manuscript is neatly penned and remains highly legible, concluding with a large, flowing signature, "James Buchanan." The letter exhibits expected age toning, original mailing folds, and scattered staining near the lower portion of the document, all consistent with a manuscript of this period. The reverse retains remnants of an old mounting strip. The document has been professionally encapsulated by PSA/DNA for preservation and display.

Full Transcription:

Washington 7 Mar 1842.

My dear Sir,

I enclose you the report of the Committee on Pensions of the Senate in the case of Mary Wolf. It would be in vain to make the attempt to reverse this report without some new evidence. The Committee proceed by fixed rules & the Senate always sustain them. I regret exceedingly this result on account of the old lady whom I should most gladly serve.

Yours very respectfully,

James Buchanan

Mr. William Rheimer

Historical Context:
Written while serving as United States Senator from Pennsylvania, this letter predates James Buchanan's presidency by more than a decade and offers a glimpse into the responsibilities of a nineteenth-century senator. Pension claims were a significant component of congressional business, often involving widows and dependents seeking financial assistance based on military service. Buchanan explains that the Senate Committee on Pensions followed established procedural standards and that reversing its recommendation would require additional evidence, illustrating the formal legislative process governing private pension petitions.

Buchanan would later become the fifteenth President of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861 during one of the nation's most turbulent political eras. Correspondence from his Senate years is especially desirable because it reflects his long career in public service before ascending to the presidency.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Authenticated and encapsulated by PSA/DNA as an Authentic Autograph.

• PSA/DNA Certification Number: 85865405
• PSA Label Description: Handwritten Letter – James Buchanan – Authentic Auto
• Professionally sealed in a PSA tamper-evident holder for long-term preservation and display.
• Additional Documentation & Provenance: At buyer’s request, Historical Autographs Gallery will include an additional “Historical Autographs Gallery Certificate” signed by our company founder Luke Pascal at no cost.

Closing Appeal:
This exceptional James Buchanan Autograph Letter Signed combines an attractive presidential signature with meaningful governmental content, documenting the Senate's consideration of a pension petition during Buchanan's distinguished legislative career. Authenticated by PSA/DNA and preserved in a secure holder, it is an outstanding acquisition for collectors of presidential autographs, nineteenth-century political history, and original American manuscripts.

Shipping Notice:
For insurance purposes, items sold over $600 may require signature confirmation upon delivery. Higher-value items, likely over $1,500, are shipped via FedEx 2-Day with Direct Signature Confirmation. FedEx provides the most flexibility when requiring a signature, allowing you to make special delivery requests directly through their tracking system. This ensures both security and convenience for the buyer.