Martin Van Buren’s Passport For SOLD His Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain

Martin Van Buren was a long-time loyal supporter of Andrew Jackson and became his Secretary of State when Jackson took office in 1829. In the controversy with the Bank of the United States, he sided with Jackson and soon became the President’s trusted advisor. After the breach between Jackson and Vice President John C. Calhoun, Van Buren’s name was mentioned for the vice-presidency in a second Jackson term. In April 1831, Van Buren resigned from his Secretary of State position as a result of the Eaton Affair, but retaining the President’s confidence, still played a part in the Kitchen Cabinet and did not leave office until June. In August, Jackson appointed Van Buren to the prime diplomatic post – U.S. ambassador to Great Britain.

Document Signed by Edward Livingston as Secretary of State, 10 by 15 inches on vellum, Washington, August 1, 1831, being the official passport issued to and carried by Martin Van Buren when he left the United States to assume the position of ambassador in London. It reads in part:?“Know ye that the bearer hereof, Martin Van Buren, Esq., a citizen of the United States is proceeding to London in the character of envoy extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary…near His Britannic Majesty. These are therefore to request whom it may concern to permit him and persons in his suite to pass freely…and to extend to them all friendly aid and protection…”

Van Buren arrived in London in September 1831. He was cordially received, but in February he learned that his nomination had been rejected by the Senate as a result of the machinations of Calhoun. As he prepared to return home in June, Van Buren was informed that the 1832 Democratic National Convention (the party’s first), held in May of that year, had at Jackson’s request nominated him for vice-president of the United States, a post he would hold for four years.