James Buchanan writes two letters to Charles G. Gonter in which he discusses the condition of the Democratic party, the implications of President Zachary Taylor's death, "the succession of" President Millard Fillmore, and the 1852 Presidential election. "Who shall be selected as standard bearer...

James Buchanan thanks Henry C. Carey for sending two pamphlets with information about "the Tariff question." While "they are written with much ability," Buchanan observes that it seems "somewhat paradoxical to contend that the road to free trade is by the way of a protective Tariff." Buchanan...

James Buchanan responds to John G. Brenner's invitation to a dinner in honor of Captain Mathews of the Steamer City of Glasgow as well as discusses Philadelphia's economic status in the United States. "I rejoice to percieve that Philadelphia is about to make a serious effort to obtain her just...

James Buchanan writes to former Senator Robert J. Walker regarding the potential secession of South Carolina. "Heaven alone can foresee all the evils to our Country and to herself which may follow her secession," as Buchanan notes. Transcript included.

James Buchanan writes Robert P. Flenniken to discuss a number of political issues, including the 1852 Presidential election, the implications of General Lane's nomination in Indiana, and the intentions of Mr. Cameron to "admit the Frazer delegates from this county over the heads of the regularly...

James Buchanan writes to Henry A. Clover regarding the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election and the election prospects of Clover's relative. "Your relative General Clover is in no danger" because, as Buchanan explains, "his opponent, John Strohm is one of the fourteen in the House of...

James Buchanan writes three letters to Henry A. Wise that focus largely on various political matters, including the 1852 Democratic Convention, the election of US Senators from Pennsylvania, and who to appoint to President-elect Buchanan's cabinet. Transcripts included.

James Buchanan writes to William L. Hirst recommending the appointment of Judge Campbell to a position rendered vacant by the death of Judge Coulter, under the rationale that it will benefit the Democratic party of Pennsylvania. Buchanan includes a copy of the letter he wrote to Pennsylvania...

James Buchanan writes Daniel E. Sickles to explain why he cannot deliver a speech at Tammany Hall in New York City so soon after Daniel Webster's death. "It would be indelicate, if not improper, for me so soon after his death" to "make a political speech in New York in which I must necessarily...

James Buchanan writes to James P. Reily regarding the possibility that President Franklin Pierce would appoint Buchanan as the minister to England. "There seems to be a general impression, such as you indicate, that I will be minister to England, but I am entirely ignorant of any such intention...

James Buchanan, who is preparing to take the position as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom, writes to W. H. Welsh, regarding the "present difficulties in the way of appointing a Secretary of Legation to London." Buchanan declares that should a Pennsylvanian be appointed, Welsh...

James Buchanan writes to Mr. Lane and James L. Reynolds regarding paying bills, political appointments, and Buchanan's political future. "I shall not be a candidate for the Presidency, & would not wish to become President" because, as Buchanan explains, "it has lost its charm." Transcript...