James Buchanan writes two letters to Charles G. Gonter in which he discusses the condition of the Democratic party, the implications of President Zachary Taylor's death, "the succession of" President Millard Fillmore, and the 1852 Presidential election. "Who shall be selected as standard bearer...

James Buchanan writes A. Boyd Hamilton to discuss the details of a loan, Buchanan's decision to sell his house in Lancaster, and to criticize articles in the Pennsylvanian. "One great fault of the Pennsylvanian is its indiscriminate praise of individuals," as Buchanan notes. Transcript...

Pennsylvania politician James Buchanan congratulates James Campbell on his recent political victory and discusses W. Baker's appointment as superintendent of the Columbia Rail Road. While one of Campbell's friends opposes Baker's selection, Buchanan argues that "I cannot desert a friend to...

Israel Gutelius writes sixteen letters to Eli Slifer in which he primarily discusses his political activity and its relation to his paper, a German language newspaper published in New Berlin, Pennsylvania (The Der Demokrat, which is also known as the Union Demokrat). "You know...

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes to J. Mason Campbell about the summer at Old Point with regard to the nearby outbreak of yellow fever and the construction of a new wharf. While his family is safe from the outbreak, Taney finds sadness in the illness and death as well as the...

James Sellers writes fifteen letters to Eli Slifer concerning help with managing his father's estate, the possibility of his election as Senator as a result of his affiliation with the Whig party, questions about the division of Union County, as well as other political news. Transcripts included...

Pennsylvania politician Andrew Gregg Curtin writes to John V. Hart with updates about a financial matter . Curtin hopes that once "Beckwith" is paid for the timber he sold to the Tyrone and Lock Haven Rail Road Company, he will have more money. Transcript included.

President James Buchanan writes to Charles Macalester asking for advice regarding North Carolina Bonds. Buchanan also mentions that he misses Macalester's daughter, Lily, who is friends with Buchanan's niece. An envelope postmarked 1857, which was addressed to Lily Macalester, was donated along...

Israel Gutelius writes nineteen letters to Eli Slifer, the Secretary of the Commonwealth during the Civil War, in which he describes his efforts to secure an appointment of collector of taxes for the U.S. government, requests Slifer's influence in helping various doctors secure positions as...

Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Gregg Curtin writes to James Bruwick[?], Esq. and recommends Mr. Bates "as a reliable, prompt and industrious man of excellent character in all respects."

Mary F. Thomson writes to Judge John M. Read, updating him on business and financial matters.