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...

Charles F. Thomas' diary includes intermittent entries dating from leaving Dickinson College in July 1859, to attending at Garrett Bible Institute in Evanston, Illinois, and to working as a Methodist circuit rider in Pennsylvania as the Civil War begins. In March 1860, Thomas saw Abraham Lincoln...

President James Buchanan writes to W.C.N. Swift and voices his opinion that the Massachusetts delegation at the 1860 Democratic National Convention in Charleston, South Carolina "should be composed of sound national men who will act in unison." Buchanan also explains that he "feel[s] a deep...

Assistant Postmaster General Horatio King writes to Ginery Twichell, president of the Boston and Worcester Railroad. King assumes that bids for new lines to Portland, ME and New Orleans, LA will be kept secret until "the whole matter is referred to Congress." Transcript included.

Andrew Curtin writes eight letters to Eli Slifer in which he discusses appointing a new colonel, providing money to Hays for a contest, an article in the Pennsylvanian, and nominations for Senate. Transcripts included.

Note: These letters are undated. 

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney asks Representative George W. Hughes to "to call at my house some morning this week as you pop to the Capitol." Taney explains that he is still "suffering from my unlucky fall" and promises that he "will detain [Hughes] but a few minutes." Hughes is...

Lily Macalester writes to her father, Charles Macalester, about a dinner party she attends while staying at the White House with her friend First Lady Harriet Lane. Lily includes a description of her conversation with President James Buchanan and provides updates on other political issues,...

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...

Israel Gutelius asks M. N. Taggart for help to secure Gutelius' nomination for Senator in the upcoming election. "As it is certain that there will be a split in the Democratic party," Gutelius explains that "it is believed that we have a chance to elect a Senator." Gutelius also notes that his...

William Bradford Reed writes an unknown recipient and discusses President James Buchanan's perspective on the secession crisis. Reed notes that President Buchanan "told me last night he though things looked better" and that "he has no doubt of the safety of the [federal] forts" located in...

Governor Andrew Curtin writes eleven letters to Eli Slifer in which he offers him the position as Secretary of the Commonwealth, describes his preference for David Wilmot as Senator, recommends Wallace Kerr for the vacant clerkship in Slifer's office, notes problems with General Biddle's...