Martin Van Buren – handwritten letter expressing gratitude for handmade shoes. ALS, “M. Van Buren, two pages, dated January 20, 1851, from Lindenwald.
Enjoying a comfortable life in semi-retirement in Lindenwald (Kinderhook, NY), the former president thanks a friend for a pair of handmade slippers and their ongoing hospitality. Known for his sense of fashion, Van Buren was particular about his appearance. With both the means and inclination towards elegance, he favored fine clothing that set him apart in any crowd. Slippers in the 19th Century were not bedroom shoes but comfortable indoor shoes. While the content sounds routine it is revealing of Van Buren’s affinity towards fine clothing and genteel living.
Condition: Two pages, 4to, bifolium sheet, written on the front and back of the first sheet. It shows typical but flattened mailing folds of the period with the start of small tears along a few folds. Van Buren’s handwriting is slightly more legible than most of his letters.
Martin Van Buren – handwritten letter expressing gratitude for handmade shoes. ALS, “M. Van Buren, two pages, dated January 20, 1851, from Lindenwald.
Enjoying a comfortable life in semi-retirement in Lindenwald (Kinderhook, NY), the former president thanks a friend for a pair of handmade slippers and their ongoing hospitality. Known for his sense of fashion, Van Buren was particular about his appearance. With both the means and inclination towards elegance, he favored fine clothing that set him apart in any crowd. Slippers in the 19th Century were not bedroom shoes but comfortable indoor shoes. While the content sounds routine it is revealing of Van Buren’s affinity towards fine clothing and genteel living.
Condition: Two pages, 4to, bifolium sheet, written on the front and back of the first sheet. It shows typical but flattened mailing folds of the period with the start of small tears along a few folds. Van Buren’s handwriting is slightly more legible than most of his letters.
