Lot 9

J. Buchanan Signs Diplomatic Passport for 49er & Oil Tycoon to Travel to South America

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J. Buchanan Signs Diplomatic Passport for 49er & Oil Tycoon to Travel to South America

Estimate: $600 - $800

Current Bid: $600

(5 Bids)

by University Archives
July 28, 2026 10:00 AM EDT
Live Auction
88 Danbury Road
Suite 2A
Wilton, CT, US 06897

James Buchanan
Washington, DC, January 13, 1849
J. Buchanan Signs Diplomatic Passport for 49er & Oil Tycoon to Travel to South America
PPDS

James Buchanan (1791-1868). Partially printed, partially manuscript document signed, "James Buchanan," as secretary of state, 1p, 10.125" x 14.625", Washington, January 13, 1849. Sawtooth paper seal affixed at lower left recto. Flattened folds and creases. Browning, scattered foxing, and soiling. Closed tears, chipping, and areas of small loss. Tape remnants at verso. Tipped to a backing for preservation. Near very good.

Diplomatic passport "No. 159" issued to the bearer, "Peter P. Cornen," to proceed to "the South American States bearing Despatches from this Department, to the Legations of the United States there" permitting him to "pass freely without let or molestation, and to extend to him all friendly aid and protection, as would be extended to Citizens and Subjects of Foreign Countries, resorting to the United States bearing Despatches from their Governments."

Peter P. Cornen (1815-1893) was a New York native who later became an oil millionaire, state senator, and banker in Connecticut. He made his fortune in Pennsylvania oil and New York City real estate, and he devoted part of it to the beautification of Ridgefield, Connecticut, which he called home for more than 40 years. Cornen went to California for the 1849 Gold Rush, from which he amassed considerable wealth before later becoming one of the pioneering oil developers in western Pennsylvania. During the 1860s-70s, Cornen continued to invest heavily in Manhattan real estate, acquiring numerous parcels connected with the Grand Central Depot project, which later evolved into Grand Central Station, and ultimately Grand Central Terminal. Cornen also served in the Connecticut State Senate and as First Selectman of Ridgefield.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 10.125" x 14.625"
  • Medium: PPDS

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $99 $10
$100 $299 $20
$300 $499 $25
$500 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $2,999 $200
$3,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 + $5,000