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Document 16363

JAMES BUCHANAN
33-year-old Congressman reminds Secretary of the Navy of his promise to appoint a friend Chaplain in the Navy.
ALS: "James Buchanan" as Pennsylvania Congressman, 1p, 7¾x9½. Lancaster, 1824 October 29, To Secretary of the Navy Samuel L. Southard. In full: "In March last I had the honor of soliciting from you the appointment of the Rev. Mr. Greer (sic) as a chaplain in the Navy. You then had the goodness to inform me, that there was at that time no vacancy, but you daily expected one; & then, you would appoint Mr. Greer unless the President should interfere in favor of some other person. This conversation was communicated to Mr. Greer immediately after it took place. A few days ago, he called upon me & informed me that a vacancy had occurred. He is very anxious to know whether he will receive the appointment or not. It would therefore confer a favor upon me if you would drop me a few lines upon the subject. From your friend with respect." President Monroe appointed SOUTHARD Secretary of the Navy in 1823. Both Buchanan and Southard had first entered Congress as Democratic-Republicans in 1821, Buchanan as a Pennsylvania Congressman and Southard as a neighboring New Jersey Senator. On February 28, 1825, President Monroe nominated Buchanan's recommendation, REVEREND JOHN W. GRIER of Pennsylvania, to be Chaplain in the Navy. (Buchanan had spelled it "Greer" in his letter.) It was consented to by the U.S. Senate on March 3, 1825, the day before President John Q. Adams' inauguration. Grier served as Chaplain of the Navy until his resignation in 1859. Folds, vertical fold touches "Ja" in James. Mounting remnants in upper left and right blank margins and at blank right edge, light show through from two circular mounting remnants on verso. Light show through of docket on verso. ½x¼-inch tear in lower right blank corner. Lightly stained. One word smudged. Clean, bold signature.

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