Christian Humrich writes to his family regarding traveling to Pittsburgh and the Free Spoilers convention that coincided with his visit. "I have heard many accounts of Pittsburgh, but" as Humrich explains, he "had no idea of the dirt, filth and stench. Transcript included.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes to J. Mason Campbell and provides an update on his travel plans. Campbell should expect Taney and his wife to arrive [in Baltimore?] on Tuesday morning because Mrs. Taney is not well enough to make the journey tonight (Friday). Taney notes...

James Buchanan writes to his nephew and legal ward, James Buchanan Henry, regarding how Henry has not confirmed whether he received the $15 mailed on the 11th. Buchanan hopes that Henry is not negligent on this account and that, instead, the letter was lost.

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 his nephew and legal ward, James Buchanan Henry, regarding commencement at Princeton and Henry's plans for after graduation. "I shall certainly attend your commencement, should your position in the Class be such as I fondly hope & expect," as Buchanan explains. While...

James Buchanan writes to James M. H. Beale regarding Beale's hope to secure a diplomatic post in President-elect Franklin Pierce's administration. Transcript included.

Dickinson College President Charles Collins writes two letters to his wife, Harriet Collins, while at a Methodist church conference in Hagerstown, Maryland. Collins also spoke at a missionary meeting along with Abel Stevens. Collins also notes that he is impatient to see her again when he...

Attorney Murray Rush writes to Franklin Pierce, President of the United States, campaigning for the district attorney position in Philadelphia. In addition, Murray mentions his father, Richard Rush, who had served in a number of positions including Secretary of the Treasury, Attorney General,...

James Buchanan declines to put in a "kind word" for a colleague seeking employment in Philadelphia.  “Amid the very numerous friends there to whom I am under political obligations,” Buchanan asks “how am I to select a few of them & refuse to recommend the remainder?” Transcript included.

Jacob C. Bomberger writes thirteen letters to Eli Slifer, Pennsylvania State Treasurer and later Secretary of the Commonwealth during the Civil War, regarding various financial transactions, politics issues, local and federal elections, Pennsylvania bank business, and other local news....

President Franklin Pierce authorizes Secretary of State William L. Marcy to "affix the Seal of the United States to the envelope of a letter addressed to Her Majesty Queen Victoria," which contains James Buchanan's credentials as the new Minister to the United Kingdom.