U.S. Presidents & First Ladies
Martin Van Buren
Martin Van Buren, born in 1782 in New York, rose from a Dutch-speaking area to become a skilled political organizer and statesman. Known as the “Little Magician,” he helped build the Democratic Party alongside Andrew Jackson. Serving as the eighth president from 1837 to 1841, Van Buren faced a severe economic depression, the Panic of 1837, which defined his presidency. He lost re-election in 1840, but remained influential in American politics, particularly in anti-slavery circles, until his death in 1862. This letter from 1847 shows him making arrangements for various trips around the country.
Lindenwald
Nov 6, 1947
My Dear Sir,
I send for your amusement and polite attention as to one of theirs two epistles of a very different character. The one will show you how I have disposed of the subject referred to in my text, the other is of greater importance and will I am sure be benefited by the experience, costly no doubt, which you have gained in such matters. I requested Smith to apply at India for rooms partly because I was under the impression (it seems an erroneous one) that he had been in my employ as cook whilst I was Secretary of State but principally to be in your neighborhood. But learning that his house was full I had concluded to go to my old quarters at the
City Hotel and move north if I found by experience that my location was a bad one. I am however willing to return to my first intention if the time of my coming to the City (the 5th of January) will be acceptable to Julien and Cantine and their time to me. They have I presume paid prices for what I want and to those if not unreasonable I would cheerfully assent, but there are two points which need be distinctly provided for viz. extras and allowances for absence. I propose to make a visit to Philadelphia for a week or two, to the country for a few days, and perhaps to other places. When absent I would of course want to lock up my bedroom and the other room also when the absence is only for a day or two. But
when absent for a week or so I would not object to the use of the sitting room by others. Smith tells me they have regular prices for rooms fine and light and they charge only the meals you call for. If that is so it would only be necessary to stipulate about absence from the house.
Will you have the goodness to see them and let them know what will do in the matter and I will give them an immediate answer. I go to Albany on Sunday of next week for a few days. I would like to hear from you before I go.
Very truly your friend,
M. Van Buren
