Description:

JAMES K. POLK
(1795 - 1849) Eleventh President of the United States who led the country during the Mexican-American War, and secured the territories of Oregon and Washington. Important signed quote "James K. Polk" as President, 1p. sm. 4to., Washington, Feb. 10, 1849, an excerpt from Polk's Annual Message to the American public delivered by him on Dec. 6, 1848. In full: "During the period I have administered the executive department of the Government great and important questions of public policy, foreign and domestic, have arisen, upon which it was my duty to act. It may, indeed, be truly said that my Administration has fallen upon eventful times. I have felt most sensibly the weight of the high responsibilities devolved upon me. With no other object than the public good, the enduring fame, and permanent prosperity of my country, I have pursued the convictions of my own best judgment. The impartial arbitrament of enlightened public opinion, present and future, will determine how far the public policy I have maintained and the measures I have from time to time recommended may have tended to advance or retard the public prosperity at home and to elevate or depress the estimate of our national character abroad." A clean 1 1/2" tear at left margin affects one word in text, mended on verso, else fine condition. Signed less than a month before Polk would leave office, this quote essentially sums-up Polk's mentality and indeed his presidency - his rationale for the Mexican War, purchase of California, Arizona, and New Mexico, and the passage of the Walker tariff of 1846. From the collection of Adam J. Glossbrenner, Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives and later James Buchanan's private secretary.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Paypal, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Shipment is sent USPS priority, USPS International Express (for most overseas) or UPS Ground at the auctioneer's option, signature required, unless other arrangements are made. Handling, shipping and insurance charges will be added to the invoice in one entry. Buyer's should be aware that large, framed, fragile or odd shaped items can incur substantial shipping and packing charges. Customer's who supply their own courier account number will still be charged a handling fee.

December 16, 2010 11:00 AM EST
Stamford, CT, US

Alexander Historical Auctions LLC

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 22.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $499 $20
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 + $1,000