A two paged autograph letter signed by Buchanan, to W. Burke, regarding the appointment of Professor Gale as an examiner in the Patent office, dated October 16th, 1846. “…It seems that Dr. Gale holds the station of Corresponding Secretary of the National Association of Inventors, is a great chemist and acquainted with the arts (a man of distinguished abilities). With all these advantages why he should desire a clerkship in the Patent office… with so small a salary? I confess I much prefer a man of sound sense and well acquainted with machinery. These hints are merely intended for your own uses, because if you think it best, I shall not withhold my approval. Your friend, very respectfully, James Buchanan.” Buchanan adds a post script, “You have not mentioned Dr. Gale’s politics.” $1,595
