Senator James Buchanan writes to James X. McLanahan, a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, regarding how postmasters are appointed and removed, Pennsylvania politics, and the apportionment bill. "Now the power of removal rests with the President alone; and this he has already exercised," as...

Senator James Buchanan responds to P. G. Washington's request for a recommendation for a political appointment. "I have recommended no friend for office," as Buchanan explains, "since the present administration came into power." Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes Benjamin Champneys, a Pennsylvania State Senator, to thank him for his help "in rescuing me from the hands of the Philistines" and to discuss several political issues. "I never believed until the present moment that I had the personal good will of nearly all the...

Senator James Buchanan writes to Samuel C. Humes and explains that he "cannot interefere in any appointment under Mr. Tyler's administration." Buchanan claims that President John Tyler is "a well disposed & well informed man; but he is more egregiously humbugged than any man [he has] ever...

James Buchanan Henry writes to his uncle, US Senator James Buchanan, and describes some of his experiences at his new school. "Last evening I looked at the moon through [my teacher's] telescope and I saw the mountains quite plain" as well as "Jupiter's moons and saturns belt," as Henry explains...

James Buchanan writes to Henry Welch regarding various political issues in Pennsylvania and Buchanan's chances of winning elections. "My own prospects never were so bright as at the present moment," as Buchanan explains in December 1850. Buchanan...

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...

US Senator James Buchanan writes to Arnold Plumer about his Texas speech, a "Judge Cahon Nashville," and a letter that James K. Polk wrote to John K. Kane in June 1844. Buchanan also discuses the Tariff of 1842 and the Whigs in Pennsylvania.

Senator James Buchanan writes a brief letter to Samuel Hood acknowledging the receipt of Hood's book, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. Buchanan states that the book "has a peculiar interest for [him]; as [he is] the son of a native of the Emerald Isle who emigrated to this country......

Senator James Buchanan writes to George Guier and explains why he cannot help Guier's son secure an appointment as a notary public in California. "The President has no power to appoint a Notary Public in California or to make any other civil appointment in that territory," as Buchanan explains....

Secretary of State James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to Charles Breuil, who wishes to be relieved of his current government duties. Buchanan advises Breuil to "get a few of [his] best known friends to write strong letters to" President James K. Polk.

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Charles Ward regarding Ward's appointment as the new "Consul of the U. States for the Island of Zanzibar." Transcript included.