Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869) 14th President of the United States (1853-1857). Autograph letter signed as President, one page, 4½ x 6½ in., Washington, June 28, 1856. "My dear Miss Pleasanton, I appreciate your kind verbal message communinated by Mrs. Pierce and beg you to accept for yourself and sister the assurance of my sincere interest and regard. Very truly yours &c…." Fine. Matted with a small engraving and framed to an overall size of 10¾ x 20¼ in.; a few nicks to gilt frame.
When Franklin wrote this letter, he already knew that he would not be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee for 1856. James Buchanan had been chosen at the convention, which took place June 2-6 in Cincinnati. The party was looking for a compromise candidate, and Franklin was too associated with slavery-related issues, including the Kansas-Nebraska Act and Bleeding Kansas. Miss Pleasanton's message could well have been condolences for Pierce's not being re-nominated. Estimated Value $1,000 - 1,500
U.S. Presidents
