Richard Rush writes Sir Gore Ouseley and encloses two short notes with autographs from Presidents George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Rush, a member of the Dickinson College Board of Trustees, comments on the veneration in which Washington is held and the penmanship of both statesmen.

Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney (Class of 1795) responds to a request for a sample of the late Chief Justice John Marshall's handwriting and a sample of Taney's own handwriting. While Taney does not have a sample of Marshall's writing, Taney notes that this letter can serve as a sample of his...

Senator James Buchanan writes two letters to Secretary of War Joel R. Poinsett regarding the appointment of William S. Ramsey as a paymaster in the US Army and issues with how Ordnance Department grants contracts. Transcripts included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to Senator Reuel William regarding the 1838 gubernatorial election in Pennsylvania between Joseph Ritner and David Porter. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to James A. Caldwell and offers job advice. "I fear you are about to abandon your noble, safe & prudent position without necessity," as Buchanan explains. Transcript included.

James G. Hamilton prepared this oration, entitled “The Congress of Panama," for the commencement ceremonies held July 11, 1839. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan informs John R. Savage that his son has "no prospect of obtaining a midshipman's warrant" in the United States Navy. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes five letters to Col Reah Frazer regarding a number of different political issues, including the 1840 Democratic National Convention, the 1840 and 1844 Presidential Elections, the Independent Treasury Bill, appointments to President Tyler's cabinet, the possibility...

Senator James Buchanan writes four letters on a number of different topics, including Congressional legislation on bankruptcy, banks, the Tariff bill, the 1844 Democratic National Convention in Baltimore, and political conditions in Pennsylvania. Buchanan, as the United States Minister to the...

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.

Senator James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to lawyer A. B. Cummings regarding his initial non-compliance with a request from the latter. Buchanan believes the "business had all been arranged" but will "call at the Department without delay" if he is mistaken.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes J. Mason Campbell to defend a decision he made as Acting Secretary of War (June - August 1831) during President Andrew Jackson's administration. "When I acted as Secretary of War, I was [also] in office as Attorney General," and as Taney...