Martin Van Buren
Van Buren professes himself “highly honored” by the application that Smith has made to him to lecture before his society, part of the New York Lyceum. Van Buren cites the number of engagements he has made since retiring from office, which prevent him from assuming this one as well. At the time the letter was written, Van Buren had just completed his term as President (1837-1841); before assuming this office, he had served as a Senator, the Governor of New York, a Minister to Britain, and as Andrew Jackson’s Vice President.
This letter is available on the digital library project I Remain.