10x16”. Trimmed edges. Mounted on 1/8” thick cardboard long ago. Illustration of Buchanan on stool with needle and thread holding up his coat with “Cuba” patch sewn into lapel. He states “My Old Coat Was A Fashionable Federal Coat When It Was New, But By Patching And Turning I Have Made It A Quite Democratic Garment-That Cuba Patch To Be Sure Is Rather Unsightly But It Suits Southern Fashions At This Season, And Then-(If I Am Elected,) Let Me See, $25,000 Pr. Annum, And No Rent To Pay, And No Women And Babies About, I Guess I Can Afford A New Outfit.” When serving as ambassador to England (1853-1856) Buchanan helped draft and then signed the Ostend Manifesto. A document that suggested the US buy Cuba from Spain. It was never acted upon and considered a blunder, but helped in gaining support of the southern states vital to his success in the 1856 election. Bottom text “A Serviceable Garment/Or Reverie Of A Bachelor.” Tiny text at bottom “For Sale At No. 2 Spruce St. N.Y.” Currier address at that time. .5” and 1.75” tears at top/bottom margins. Scattered surface dust and light tanning on outer edges. Remains perfectly flat as mounted and reverse indicates once framed as noted by numerous .5” oxidation lines from nails. Fine. Julie Powell Collection.