In the Nov. 10 letter “America will survive Trump,” the writer referred to four presidents as inept: James Buchanan, Ulysses S. Grant, Warren G. Harding, and George W. Bush.

James Buchanan was America’s 15th president from 1857-1861. He served the U.S. government for 40 years. He was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, minister to Russia, U.S. senator, secretary of state, and minister to Great Britain.

A Democrat, he served our country during a very turbulent time, preceding the Civil War. He personally opposed slavery, but tried without success to keep the nation united. 

The Civil War actually started after President Buchanan left office on March 4, 1861. Please reconsider your thoughts about the presidents, who are all true patriots.

DAVID E. LEWIS

Delta, Ohio

First Published November 18, 2016, 5:00 a.m.