James Buchanan autograph letter signed, dated 7 April 1853 according to docketing on verso. Addressed to an unnamed recipient, Buchanan discusses his potential appointment as Minister to the United Kingdom. Letter reads in part, ''After reflection, I cannot avoid the conclusion that the publication of the annexed letter might appear to be presumptuous on my part. I would, therefore, beg you to state its contents to discreet friends & urge them...to make my reasons as acceptable as possible to my friends...I hope you are wrong in your conjectures about [James C.?] Van Dyke. Somewhat to my surprise, I find that judicious friends in the interior of the State strongly advise me to accept the mission to England on the score of expediency...James Buchanan''. Buchanan accepted this appointment, which would take him to England for three years. His absence during the tumult surrounding the Kansas-Nebraska At would make him the least-tainted nominee for the Democratic candidate for President in the 1856 election. Single page measures 7.75'' x 9.75''. Shallow folds and light creasing, overall in very good to near fine condition.