61 / 230
“I HAVEVOLUNTARILY RETIRED FROM PUBLIC LIFE”
91
●
BUCHANAN, JAMES. Autograph Letter Signed, as Representative, to fellow
Representative James Ford, pledging to retire from Congress, repeatingWashington rumors
concerning appointments including a commission to treat with the [Menominee] Indians
for [Samuel C.] Stambaugh. 1
1
/
4
pages, 4to, with integral address leaf addressed in his hand;
folds. (TFC)
Lancaster, 28 March 1831
[700/1,000]
“
. . . I never believed it probable that Pennsylvania would assert her claim to the Vice Presidency in
the person of any of her citizens . . . . I confess I was much pleased with the meeting in this County. It
was in the strictest sense large & respectable & expressed a decided approbation of my conduct whilst I
was their representative. I have voluntarily retired from public life & can assure you I do not cast ‘one
longing lingering look behind’ . . . .”
“
I hear fromWashington that . . . Stambaugh . . . is appointed a commission to treat with the Indians. . . .”
The Treaty of Washington was a series of agreements, initiated by Indian Agent Colonel Samuel C.
Stambaugh in 1831, between the U.S. government and native American tribes including primarily
the Menominee, resulting in the transfer to the U.S. of over 2 million acres of land inWisconsin.
After a year-long retirement, Andrew Jackson appointed Buchanan Minister to Russia, a post which he
accepted and held for two years, after which he continued his public service, now as Senator.