Washington, D.C., 1 June 1857. Partially-printed diplomatic commission, signed by President James Buchanan, appointing John W. Forney of Pennsylvania, Consul of the United States of America for the Port of Liverpool; counter-signed by Acting Secretary of State John Appleton. Slight smudging to “Acting” at bottom. Approximately 12 x 16 1/2 in. (305 x 419 mm) (sight). In mat with an engraved portrait of Buchanan and placard, and unexamined out of frame, 35 x 28 3/4 in. (889 x 730 mm). 

John W. Forney was a Pennsylvania newspaper publisher and longtime ally of Buchanan, helping him and the Democratic Party during the 1856 election. Following Buchanan's win, Forney expected to be rewarded for his services, but instead was offered a position either in the Philadelphia naval office, or, as seen in this document, in the consulate at Liverpool. Forney, enraged and deeply humiliated, rebuffed Buchanan, and turned down both positions. Due to Buchanan's and the Democratic Party's continued support of slavery, Forney turned against them both and aligned himself with the new Republican Party and Abraham Lincoln. Following his election, Lincoln helped Forney gain the necessary votes to become Secretary of the Senate, a position he held until 1868. 

Forney formally declined Buchanan's offer on March 6, 1857, writing that he had suffered “deep and bitter humiliation since you have been elected”. We presume that this document was filled out well in advance of Forney's decision.