James E. Clawson prepared this oration, entitled “The American Citizen," for the commencement ceremonies held July 14, 1853. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

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...

James Buchanan writes eight letters from London to James L. Reynolds on a number of different subjects, including life as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom, the Vienna Conference, the Crimean War, the Nebraska Bill, and the 1856 Presidential election. Transcripts included.

James Buchanan writes to Christopher L. Ward and describes life in London as the new United States Minister to the United Kingdom and discusses the possibility of a conflict between Russia and Turkey in the Crimean. Buchanan also mentions his introduction to Queen Victoria. "The manners of the...

James Buchanan writes to Lily Macalester and describes his life in London as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom. "I should be far happier in retirement at Wheatland than amidst the gaiety of London," as Buchanan notes. Transcript included.

Henry Hamilton Pfeiffer prepared this oration, entitled “American Literature," for the commencement ceremonies held July 13, 1854. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

President Franklin Pierce writes to Secretary of the Interior Robert McClelland regarding how to handle Kentucky Representative John Cabell Breckinridge. "I wish to oblige Breckinridge if it can be done with any propriety," as President Pierce explains. McClelland is a member of the Class of...

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes Deputy Marshall Samuel G. Phillips and asks for information about an individual who asked for an autograph. "Can you tell me any thing about the writer" because, as Taney explains, "I am not willing to send my autograph to a woman, of whom I...

Israel Gutelius writes sixteen letters to Eli Slifer in which he primarily discusses his political activity and its relation to his paper, a German language newspaper published in New Berlin, Pennsylvania (The Der Demokrat, which is also known as the Union Demokrat). "You know...

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes to attorney J. Mason Campbell and discusses the potential government purchase of the Exchange in Baltimore for public offices. Justice Taney explains why this purchase would be a poor decision.

James Buchanan, the United States Minister to the United Kingdom, writes four letters to General James Watson Webb regarding Buchanan's experiences living in London and international affairs, including the Ostend Manifesto, the Vienna Conference, and the prospects for peace. Buchanan also notes...

J. Douglas Wade prepared this oration, entitled “Cuban Liberty" for the commencement ceremonies held July 12, 1855. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.