Title:
James Buchanan – Autograph Letter Signed (ALS), May 1, 1850 – PSA Letter of Authenticity (Cert. #AR02383)

Description:
Offered here is a fully handwritten Autograph Letter Signed (ALS) by James Buchanan, dated Wheatland, May 1, 1850. The letter is written entirely in Buchanan’s hand and signed at the conclusion, “James Buchanan.”

The letter reads in full:

Wheatland 1 May 1850

My dear Sir,

I am very happy to learn that at last you will pay us a visit. I need not assure you that you shall receive a most cordial welcome. If you would let me know on what day & by what train you will arrive, I shall be at the Rail Road depot to meet you. If not the carriage will bring you here.

Mr. & Mrs. Marcy left me on Monday Morning (?) around here on Friday evening. 

In anticipation of the pleasure of soon meeting you, I remain very respectfully your friend

James Buchanan

Hon: Robert J. Walker

The letter is penned from Wheatland, Buchanan’s estate near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, which he had purchased in 1848. The manuscript exhibits natural horizontal and vertical fold lines consistent with period mailing practices, along with even age toning and minor edge wear appropriate for a mid-19th-century document. The handwriting remains clear and legible throughout.

Historical Context:
James Buchanan (1791–1868), who would later serve as the 15th President of the United States (1857–1861), wrote this letter during a pivotal year in American political history. In 1850, the nation was embroiled in the sectional tensions that would lead to the Compromise of 1850, legislation aimed at temporarily easing disputes between free and slave states.

The letter is addressed to the Hon. Robert J. Walker (1801–1869), former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President James K. Polk (1845–1849). Walker was a prominent Democratic statesman and influential architect of the Walker Tariff of 1846. This correspondence reflects the continued personal and political relationships among leading Democratic figures of the era following their cabinet service.

Written from Wheatland, Buchanan’s beloved residence and later a presidential landmark, the letter offers a personal glimpse into the hospitality and social customs of a future president during a transformative period in American history.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
Accompanied by a full PSA Letter of Authenticity dated February 6, 2026, certification number AR02383. PSA has confirmed that the signature and all handwriting are in Buchanan’s hand. The LOA verifies the authenticity of the autograph and provides long-term assurance for collectors.

• 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:
A fully handwritten James Buchanan ALS from Wheatland, written to fellow cabinet member Robert J. Walker during the consequential year of 1850, represents a distinguished addition to any presidential or antebellum political collection. Rich in provenance, entirely in the hand of a future president, and accompanied by PSA authentication, this piece embodies both the personal warmth and the political gravitas of mid-19th-century America.

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.