JAMES BUCHANAN FREE FRANK TO HIS PERSONAL PHYSICIAN AND FUTURE SURGEON GENERAL OF THE NAVY
BUCHANAN, JAMES (1791-1868) 15th President of the United States. Free Frank “James Buchanan”, as U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania. No date, circa 1830’s. Folded cover addressed fully in Buchanan’s hand to future Surgeon General of the Navy, Dr. Jonathan Messersmith Foltz (1810-1877). Red “Lancaster Pa. Nov. 2” circular date-stamp and “Free” handstamp. Light age wear, else very good condition.
“An interesting moment in American naval medicine history, Foltz was only twenty years old when he sought his commission as assistant surgeon. He was one of only two hundred applicants to appear before the board for examination; one of seventeen to receive such permission, and only one of five whose recommendations were passed on to President Jackson. Fearful that his youth would prejudice against himself, Foltz walked, with written testimonials in hand, from Lancaster to Washington City and presented his petition to President Jackson directly. Andrew Jackson was so much pleased with the young man’s pluck that he at once gave him the appointment he sought. That one act was probably the key-note of his success. The grit which would impel an inexperienced youth to walk all the way to Washington from an inland town in Pennsylvania, was just what General Jackson would recognize as an element of character which would make a good surgeon, a good general, a good man in any walk of life.” – From Surgeon Of The Seas: The Adventurous Life of Surgeon General Jonathan M. Foltz In the Days of Wooden Ships.
Foltz was a lifelong friend to Buchanan and would become his personal physician in later years.
$1200.00