Two letters from James Buchanan to American diplomat Aaron Vail regarding relations with the United Kingdom and the "perfect chaos" of the United States' consular system. Transcripts included.

Senator James Buchanan is interested in learning more about "the early history of my father," James Buchanan, Sr., and writes Robert Lamberton to ask for help. "Your father is the only gentleman I know who can furnish me this information," as Buchanan explains. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes two letters to Thomas L. Hamer discussing various contemporary political leaders. In the first letter, Buchanan reflects upon John C. Calhoun's recent visit to the President and the nomination of William H. Harrison as a candidate in the 1840 Presidential election....

Senator James Buchanan writes four letters on a number of different topics, including Congressional legislation on bankruptcy, banks, the Tariff bill, the 1844 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, and political conditions in Pennsylvania. Buchanan, as the United States Minister to the...

Senator James Buchanan writes to J. C. Plumer regarding the fate of a Bank Bill that the House of Representatives had recently approved. "We shall show it off in its naked deformity before it passes the Senate," as Buchanan observes. Buchanan also discusses the support for Democratic...

Senator James Buchanan defends his position as a candidate for President and discusses Pennsylvania's important role in national politics. "I have never yet deemed myself a candidate for the highest office, nor have I considered it," as Buchanan tells M. S. Blackman. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan responds to Dr. George McClellan's request for his son to receive an appointment as a cadet, possibly to West Point. "I have not interfered either directly or indirectly, in any appointment since Mr. Van Buren retired; but if I have a right to nominate a cadet, your son...

Senator James Buchanan asks Dickinson College Professor John McClintock to thank the Board of Trustees for granting him an honorary Doctor of Laws. "I feel conscious that I do not deserve so distinguished a literary honor," Buchanan notes. Transcript included.

US Senator James Buchanan writes Mrs. James I. Roosevelt (Cornelia Van Ness Roosevelt) to express his regrets that he "could not enjoy the pleasure of meeting you on my late visit to New York." Buchanan notes that he hopes to see her "at Washington in good health & spirits." Transcript...

Senator James Buchanan writes to Harrison Wright regarding President William Henry Harrison's administration and the appointment of a postmaster in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Buchanan also comments on Vice President John Tyler's ambitions. "Tyler has determined to be the next President if he...

James Buchanan writes to John M. Read regarding candidates for the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1844 as well as how legislation on slavery is increasing sectional tensions. "At the North we are totally ignorant of the deep, pervading & determined feeling of the South on this...

Senator James Buchanan responds to a Democratic party Committee's request for information on Buchanan's opinion on whether the United States should annex Texas. "I should refrain from any public or extended discussion of the subject, whilst the Treaty of annexation is actually pending before the...