Sold – Martin Van Buren Writes His Surviving Son in Europe Just Months After the Death of His Namesake
Unpublished letter with free frank.
In 1853, Martin Van Buren's son and namesake developed tuberculosis, and the father sought medical advice, which was to see doctors in Europe. This was not good advice, as Europe and especially England were the heartland of quack remedies, and London's damp and foggy winters were later blamed for the city's high...
In 1853, Martin Van Buren's son and namesake developed tuberculosis, and the father sought medical advice, which was to see doctors in Europe. This was not good advice, as Europe and especially England were the heartland of quack remedies, and London's damp and foggy winters were later blamed for the city's high tuberculosis mortality. But Van Buren had been desperate. In the spring of 1853, therefore, he had left his home, Lindenwald, for the Old World. He put his son under doctors' care and then traveled extensively, first to Ireland, then France and Holland, then Switzerland, sightseeing and dining, with both relatives and the European elite. He ended up in Naples, where he settled down for an extended visit. Suddenly, however, he was summoned to Paris. His ailing son, who had come over from London, was declining fast. The tuberculosis that had ravaged his body for so long had finally triumphed. In March 1855, Martin Jr. died in Paris, with his father by his side.
Van Buren kept a close eye on the career of his second son John. Politics was still Van Buren's passion, and John was the political heir apparent. The two corresponded on political topics often. It was from Paris, just after the death of his first son, that he now attempted to reach his second son, John, who had also come to Europe on the family trip.
Autograph letter signed, Paris, May 10, 1855, to Col. Hodge, the American Consul at Marseilles in southern France, then the largest port in France, with the integral address panel and free frank. "My dear Sir, I have received a letter from my son informing me that he will go to Vernay from Genoa. I have therefore to ask the favor of you to forward my letter, heretofore sent you, to him at Vernay Switzerland, to the care of Mr. Monet, Hotel des Couronnes. Excuse the trouble I give you in this matter and believe me yours truly, M Van Buren."
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