Title:
Martin Van Buren Autograph Letter Signed on the 1825 New York Elections and “Bucktail” Political Victory – PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto #85842697

Description:
Historically important one-page Autograph Letter Signed (“ALS”) by Martin Van Buren, entirely handwritten in dark brown ink and dated November 17, 1825. The letter measures approximately 8 x 9¾ inches and is addressed to “Mr Butler.” Written while serving as a United States Senator from New York, Van Buren discusses the recent 1825 New York State elections, in which he played a central role in securing a powerful “Bucktail” Democratic-Republican majority.

The letter contains substantial political content and reveals Van Buren’s strategic thinking during one of the most formative periods in American party politics. He writes proudly of the electoral success achieved by his faction and reflects on the political implications moving forward. The manuscript remains highly attractive, featuring elegant and legible handwriting throughout with a strong closing signature, “M. V. Buren.”

Full transcription follows:

“My dear Sir

Novr 17 – 1825

I congratulate on our success. We
have certainly elected 4 of our senators & a certain
majority in the house of from 15 to 25. So
much for adherence to good principles. I concur
with you fully in your speculations on the
future. The case is one full of difficulty
& must be looked upon deliberately. More
of this hereafter. In the mean time make
my best respects to friend Hoffman and to
all other good men (?) whom I
have the pleasure of knowing.

Yours very sincerely
M. V. Buren

Mr Butler”

The document exhibits expected folds from handling and transmission, along with moderate age toning consistent with nineteenth-century political correspondence. The reverse displays areas of paper thinning and remnants from historic mounting, none of which materially detract from the readability, presentation, or historical integrity of the piece.

Historical Context:
This remarkable letter dates to the immediate aftermath of the 1825 New York State elections, a crucial moment in the evolution of American political organization. Martin Van Buren was the dominant architect of the New York “Bucktail” faction, a disciplined Democratic-Republican political organization that became the foundation for the later Democratic Party under Andrew Jackson.

The Bucktails opposed the Clintonian faction in New York politics and emphasized organized party discipline, patronage coordination, and coalition-building. Van Buren’s efforts in the 1825 elections helped secure control of the state legislature, strengthening his growing national influence. The letter’s triumphant tone reflects his satisfaction at securing “4 of our senators” and a legislative majority “of from 15 to 25,” demonstrating the practical effectiveness of his political machine.

His observations regarding “good principles” and the need to view the situation “deliberately” offer a fascinating glimpse into the cautious strategic mindset that earned Van Buren the nickname “The Little Magician.” The recipient was likely Benjamin Franklin Butler, one of Van Buren’s closest political confidants and an influential New York ally. References to “friend Hoffman” likely concern another important figure within Van Buren’s political network.

Van Buren would later become the eighth President of the United States and one of the principal architects of modern American party politics. Early political letters containing substantive electoral discussion from Van Buren’s pre-presidential years are notably scarce and highly sought after by collectors of presidential and political Americana.

Authentication & Encapsulation:
PSA/DNA Certified Authentic Auto, certification number 85842697. Encapsulated by PSA/DNA in a large-format archival holder labeled “Handwritten Letter – Martin Van Buren.”

• 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 Martin Van Buren ALS captures one of America’s most influential political strategists at the very moment he was consolidating power and reshaping the nation’s political landscape. Rich with substantive electoral commentary and entirely handwritten by the future president, the document provides a rare firsthand window into the rise of organized party politics in the United States. Combining presidential significance, outstanding historical content, and excellent presentation, this is a premier artifact for collectors of presidential autographs, New York political history, and early 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.