Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes to James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy, about the application of the late Levin Gale's two sons.

This report by an unknown author discusses and provides a summary of the key points in Senator Henry Clay's speech on the Webster-Ashburton Treaty. This report notes how "[Clay] believed in the sincerity of the professions of the British Govt" and that "nothing but the greatest evil could result...

Secretary of State James Buchanan to diplomat J. Randolph Clay regarding future diplomatic appointments, the annexation of Texas, and the possibility of a war with Mexico. "I think, from present appearances we shall have no war with Mexico; but this is yet uncertain," as Buchanan explains....

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Commander William W. McKean instructing him to deliver communications to Mr. Jewett at Callao, Peru. Buchanan also encloses a letter addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Peru. Transcript included.

Secretary of State James Buchanan informs Moses Y. Beach that President James K. Polk has appointed him as a Confidential Agent to the Republic of Mexico. "You ought never to give the slightest intimation to any person, either directly or indirectly, that you are an agent of this Government," as...

Richard Rush, United States Minister to France, informs a Mr. Corbin that the continued siege of Paris means that he is unfortunately "forced to forgo the pleasure of receiving my friends at dinner tomorrow." Rush also comments on and returns the letter that Corbin forwarded to him.

James Buchanan writes David Myerle to congratulate him and to remissness on how Myerle helped provide a "domestic supply of water rolled hemp" for the United States Navy. While "the object would doubtless have been eventually accomplished," Buchanan observes that "[Myerle's ] efforts have...

James Buchanan writes Robert Tyler, son of President John Tyler, about Buchanan's tenure as secretary of state under President James Polk and the Mexican War. "The appointments of officers in the Mexican war nearly ruined me politically in Pennsylvania" and, as Buchanan explains, "I solemnly...

James Buchanan writes to Henry A. Clover regarding the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election and the election prospects of Clover's relative. "Your relative General Clover is in no danger" because, as Buchanan explains, "his opponent, John Strohm is one of the fourteen in the House of...

James Buchanan writes five letters to James Campbell regarding Pennsylvania politics, the Democratic conventions, President Franklin Pierce's appointments, and Buchanan's experience working as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom. Buchanan also discusses the possibility of a war...

George Jacob Conner prepared this oration, entitled “France," for the commencement ceremonies held July 8, 1852. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

James M. Shearer prepared this oration, entitled “The Bastile-Sixty Four Years Ago," for the commencement ceremonies held July 14, 1853. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.