John H. Knox, a member of the Class of 1838, receives this diploma as a member of the Union Philosophical Society on December 18, 1835.

Roger Brooke Taney (Class of 1795) sends William George Read the testimony for a case. Taney, who will deliver his speech on Thursday, notes that he will do "justice to the motives & character of" Read, Mr. Howard, and Mr. Hunt. Taney became the Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court seven...

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.

John Zug receives his Bachelor of Arts Diploma from Dickinson College on July 20, 1837.

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 to Thomas J. Randolph providing details about the Sub-Treasury Bill, including the relation to a Government Bank, as well as predicting that the bill "will pass the Senate by a majority of two votes." Transcript included.

The Statutes of Dickinson College lists important information and guidelines regarding the administration of the college, faculty, stewards, admissions, instruction, student behavior, the academic calendar, commencement, religious duties, student bills, literary societies, and student...

John A. Wright prepared this oration, entitled “Mental and Moral Effects of the Mathematics," for the commencement ceremonies held July 19, 1838. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.