James Buchanan writes to Col John H. Wheeler regarding the 1852 Democratic National Convention, which is held in Baltimore, and who the delegates will select as the party's candidate for the 1852 Presidential election. "I think my prospects are fairer at present than those of any other...

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 Taylor Carlile prepared this oration, entitled “The Democratic Principle," 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.

William Andrew Snively prepared this oration, entitled “The War of Opinion," 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.

Christian Humrich writes to his family regarding traveling to Pittsburgh and the Free Spoilers convention that coincided with his visit. "I have heard many accounts of Pittsburgh, but" as Humrich explains, he "had no idea of the dirt, filth and stench. Transcript included.

James Buchanan writes Daniel E. Sickles to explain why he cannot deliver a speech at Tammany Hall in New York City so soon after Daniel Webster's death. "It would be indelicate, if not improper, for me so soon after his death" to "make a political speech in New York in which I must necessarily...

James Buchanan writes to James M. H. Beale regarding Beale's hope to secure a diplomatic post in President-elect Franklin Pierce's administration. Transcript included.

James Buchanan writes to President Franklin Pierce and recommends that James C. Van Dyke be appointed as the district attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Transcript included.

Pennsylvania Supreme Court Chief Justice John B. Gibson writes to Mr. Johnson about changing the laws of Pennsylvania.

James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to Robert Tyler about his nomination as President and discusses one of the delegates at the Pennsylvania State Convention, a Franklin K. Curran of Marietta. Robert is the son of President John Tyler. Transcript included.

James Buchanan, who is preparing to take the position as the United States Minister to the United Kingdom, writes to W. H. Welsh, regarding the "present difficulties in the way of appointing a Secretary of Legation to London." Buchanan declares that should a Pennsylvanian be appointed, Welsh...

Pennsylvania politician James Buchanan (Class of 1803) writes to Peter G. Washington about political appointments and state elections. Buchanan discusses Washington's prospects of getting a clerkship as well as the possibility of appointments for Carlton B. Cotter, W. Lightner, and W. [Cantisce...