Hiram Walbridge writes President James Buchanan to introduce Robert Gamble and recommend him for a political appointment. Walbridge notes that “Gamble is a sound reliable democrat” who “has held responsible public trusts in the City of New York.”

First Lady Harriet Lane writes to Lily Macalester about the going ons of Washington D.C., her trip to Pennsylvania, Macalester's trip to West Point, as well as various bits of gossip. Lane also comments on several political figures, including Secretary of War John B. Floyd and Senator Stephen...

President James Buchanan writes former President Franklin Pierce and encloses "the first copy of the message which has been delivered to any person." The "message" that Buchanan refers to is likely his first State of the Union, which was published on December 8, 1857. Transcript included.

Rufus Choate, a former US Senator from Massachusetts, writes President James Buchanan (Class of 1809) to request the appointment of Edward Riddle as a naval agent in Boston, Massachusetts. "Mr Riddle [is] eminently well suited to perform the duties of the place in question," as Choate explains....

President James Buchanan explains why he cannot grant E. L. Molineux's request that a merchant clerk of New York City receive an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Transcript included.

President James Buchanan writes the Burns Club of the City of New York to decline the club's invitation to a dinner celebrating Robert Burns's centennial birthday. Buchanan also expresses his personal views on the poet's life and work. "[Burns] has ever been a favorite poet of mine," as Buchanan...

President James Buchanan writes to Secretary of State Lewis Cass, Secretary of War John B. Floyd, and Attorney General Jeremiah S. Black regarding orders that they need to send to federal officials in Utah. "The State of Affairs in Utah renders it necessary that new & harmonious instructions...

Governor of Virginia Henry Alexander Wise comments on various national political issues and on the 1860 presidential election. Wise tells his correspondent that "I hope you will deal hardly by the Softs and expose their connection at Cincinnati in...

President James Buchanan responds to John A. Wilstach's letter about domestic issues and foreign affairs. "I shall take great pleasure in reading your remarks on these important subjects at my earliest convenience," as President Buchanan explains.

Lily Macalester writes her father, Charles Macalester, regarding her stay at the White House with her friend, First Lady Harriet Lane. Lily describes a dinner hosted by Lord Richard Lyons, the British minister to the United States, that a number of prominent officials attended, including General...

Lily Macalester writes her father, Charles Macalester, regarding her stay at the White House with her friend, First Lady Harriet Lane. Lily describes the dinner party with Japanese delegates as a "great success." "My friend the young Prince Stkahara Jugoro, is very bright" and, as Lily explains...

Lily Macalester writes to her aunt about the details of a wedding she attended and the bride's gown. Macalester, who is staying at the White House while in Washington D.C., also notes how "the President was quite pleased at your message" and mentions seeing the visiting Japanese dignitaries at...