James Buchanan 1791-1868 Fifteenth President or me United States whose hands-off attitude toward states' rights directly contributed to the start of the Civil War. A.L.S. James Buchanan as Secretary of State, marked Private , 1p. 4to., Washington, Jan. 18, 1849 to Secretary of the Treasury Robert J. Walker. Buchanan presses Walker concerning the appointment of two friends: ...you would do me an a special favor personally be deciding their cases finally... . you were kind enough to say you would give a permanent appointment. the second is the nephew of General Cameron. Fine condition.