Senator James Buchanan writes a brief letter to Samuel Hood acknowledging the receipt of Hood's book, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Buchanan states that the book "has a peculiar interest for [him]; as [he is] the son of a native of the Emerald Isle who emigrated to this country......

Senator James Buchanan writes to General James Tallmadge regarding the Oregon border negotiations. Transcript included.

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes former Representative Caleb Cushing and offers him an appointment as "the chief clerkship in the Department of State." "Your services in this position, in the present state of our foreign relations might be of much advantage to your country," as Buchanan...

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Francis W. Pickens, a member of the South Carolina Senate, regarding the new James K. Polk administration, Buchanan's adjustment to life as a cabinet appointee, and Pickens' decision to not accept the position of United States Minister to the United...

Diplomat and politician Richard Rush writes to Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, discussing the upcoming publication of Aspinwall's book in Philadelphia, the possibility of publishing a second edition in London, and the reproduction of excerpts in Philadelphia newspapers.

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Charles Ward regarding Ward's appointment as the new "Consul of the U. States for the Island of Zanzibar." Transcript included.

Secretary of State James Buchanan to diplomat J. Randolph Clay regarding future diplomatic appointments, the annexation of Texas, and the possibility of a war with Mexico. "I think, from present appearances we shall have no war with Mexico; but this is yet uncertain," as Buchanan explains....

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney responds to Garret Dorset Wall's recommendation of former New Jersey Governor Peter Dumont Vroom for the vacancy at the United States Supreme Court. While he may hold Governor Vroom in high regard, Taney explains that he will not interfere in the...

Former Dickinson College President John P. Durbin writes to a committee, which consists of Daniel Gans, William M. Hall, and Charles Black, and thanks them for "the honor" of electing him into their society. Durbin, however, notes his "regret" in having to "decline your kind invitation to...

Secretary of State James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to Massachusetts Senator John Davis regarding the burglary of Mrs. Sally Blake's house in Boston. The burglar, William Baird, has fled the United States for Britain, and it is Buchanan's opinion that "the expense attending the apprehension...

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Commander William W. McKean instructing him to deliver communications to Mr. Jewett at Callao, Peru. Buchanan also encloses a letter addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru. Transcript included.

President James Knox Polk informs Judge Robert Cooper Grier (Class of 1812) that he has nominated Grier as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Grier will "fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Judge [Henry] Baldwin," as President Polk explains. Transcript included.