Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes a "private" letter to George Newbold asking for a copy of the letter he sent him on December 18, 1833. Taney wants a copy of this letter so he can better consult with some friends on how to address an allegation made against him. "I find...

George Chambers, trustee of Dickinson College, informs Secretary of the Treasury Levi Woodbury about Representative Thomas McCullough's request that his son, Alexander McCullough, receive an appointment in the United States Navy. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to Secretary of the Treasury Levi Woodbury regarding a recent resolution from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives that selected the Philadelphia Bank "as one of the Depositories of the public money." Transcript included.

Former US Senator William Wilkins (Class of 1802) writes Secretary of the Navy Mahlon Dickerson and asks for Doctor Watson to be appointed as a Surgeon’s Mate or receive Midshipman’s commission. Wilkins notes that Watson “has already made the voyage to India” and “seems to have such a keen...

Representative James Buchanan writes seven letters to Representative Charles Jared Ingersoll a number of different political and legal matters, including political appointments, election campaigns, the Mexican-American War, and the Oregon Treaty. Transcripts included.

Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney (Class of 1795) responds to a request for a sample of the late Chief Justice John Marshall's handwriting and a sample of Taney's own handwriting. While Taney does not have a sample of Marshall's writing, Taney notes that this letter can serve as a sample of his...

Senator James Buchanan writes two letters to Secretary of War Joel R. Poinsett regarding the appointment of William S. Ramsey as a paymaster in the US Army and issues with how Ordnance Department grants contracts. Transcripts included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to Senator Reuel William regarding the 1838 gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania between Joseph Ritner and David Porter. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to James A. Caldwell and offers job advice. "I fear you are about to abandon your noble, safe & prudent position without necessity," as Buchanan explains. Transcript included.

Dickinson College President John P. Durbin writes C. A. Walborn regarding the case of a Mr. Dodge. "If I can extract any information" from Mr. Dodge, Durbin explains that "I shall have to tell him that we do not consider the case closed at all." Durbin also notes that he is recovering from an...

Senator James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to General Garret D. Wall regarding the education of his orphaned niece Harriet R. Lane, whom he raised.

Former President and Representative John Quincy Adams writes to members of a committee of Union Philosophical Society (UPS) members and declines an invitation to deliver an address before a joint meeting of the Belles Lettres and Union Philosophical Society at Dickinson College. The members of...