John McCarty prepared this oration, entitled “A Word for the Poor," for the commencement ceremonies held July 18, 1852. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript...

Joseph Blake Wilson prepared this oration, entitled “The Instability of Popular Favor," for the commencement ceremonies held July 8, 1852. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that...

This copy of the printed program for the commencement exercises held on July 8, 1852 shows the members of the graduating class and the speeches that they were scheduled to deliver.

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...

James Buchanan writes to his nephew and legal ward, James Buchanan Henry. Buchanan is pleased with the news of Henry's success from his last letter. Buchanan also reports that Miss Hetty [Parker], his housekeeper, "says she has not heard any news...

James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to his nephew James Buchanan Henry after returning from a trip to Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Buchanan encloses $15 to Henry "according to [his] request," but has "no time to write [him] at length."

Spencer F. Baird ('40) writes to Dickinson College Professor James W. Marshall ('48) regarding books (Congressional volumes)that were sent to the Dickinson College library by mistake. As "The State Department is very anxious to have back," Baird...

Hetty Parker, James Buchanan's housekeeper, writes to James B. Henry, Buchanan's nephew. Parker discusses Buchanan's travels and mentions that "President Pierce is anxious to have your Uncle Secretary of State but wether he will except or not I...

James Buchanan writes to his nephew and legal ward, James Buchanan Henry, regarding Henry's request for "the 'wherewithal' to return home" from Princeton College.   Buchanan, who sends $10, notes that "Miss Clemens & Mrs. [Rose O'Neal]...

The Laws and Regulations of Dickinson College lists important information and guidelines regarding the administration of the college, faculty, stewards, admissions, instruction, student behavior, the academic calendar, commencement,...

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...

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...