President James Buchanan writes to William R. Drinkard, Secretary of War John B. Floyd's chief clerk, in an attempt to solve a dispute over paying US Army Captain Montgomery Meigs. Buchanan asks Drinkard to send "the Paper addressed by Capt Meigs in reply to the Attorney Generals [Jeremiah S....

United States Supreme Court Justice Robert Cooper Grier (Class of 1812) writes to Aubrey H. Smith regarding the secession crisis. Grier describes President James Buchanan as "wholly unequal" to dealing with the secession crisis, calls Secretary of War John B. Floyd a traitor, describes flaws of...

New York Supreme Court Judge Henry Hogeboom writes to President James Buchanan and recommends John C. Perry for an appointment as a judge in one of the western organized territories.

Former President James Buchanan writes publisher James Gordon Bennett several days after leaving the White House and asks that the New York Herald be sent to him in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Buchanan also reflects on his administration, describing it as "eminently successful in its...

Edwin McMasters Stanton writes to former President James Buchanan regarding Abraham Lincoln, in particular his state of mind.  Stanton also discloses that he believes the Secretary of the Treasury made an error in not accepting a loan.

Edwin McMasters Stanton writes to former President James Buchanan apologizing for his previous letters being delayed by the Baltimore Riot. Stanton tells Buchanan news regarding the Civil War and President Lincoln's administration. 

Edwin McMasters Stanton writes to James Buchanan stating that Stanton and their friends were very pleased by Judge Jeremiah Sullivan Black's message that Buchanan was in good health. Stanton also shares his opinion on the Patriot cause, financial troubles for the Union, and General John Adams...

Edwin McMasters Stanton writes to former President James Buchanan regarding his opinion on the future for the Confederates and Fort Sumter, and the expectation of a battle at Fairfax.

Former President James Buchanan writes to Charles N. Pine and explains why he will not contact President Abraham Lincoln on Pine's behalf. "I have reason to believe that my request [to the Lincoln administration] would be but little regarded," as Buchanan notes. Instead, Buchanan advises Pine to...

Two letters from former President James Buchanan to Jessie Magaw regarding his health, Jessie's education, and news regarding their extended family. "Your Cousin Harriet [Lane] was married to Henry E. Johnston" and they are "happily married," as Buchanan notes. Transcripts included.

Harriet Lane writes to her friend Lily Macalester on the birth of Lily's child. Lane also notes that her uncle, former President James Buchanan, "would no doubt have some messages of love and congratulation if he knew I was writing."

Former President James Buchanan writes to Jeremiah Sullivan Black regarding his health and to plan a get together. Buchanan plans "to visit the Bedford Springs the present season." Black served in President Buchanan's administration as the U.S. Attorney General and U.S. Secretary of State.