Henry B. Hamsberger prepared this oration, entitled “Tyranny of Public Opinion," for the commencement ceremonies held July 8, 1841. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to J. C. Plumer regarding the fate of a Bank Bill that the House of Representatives had recently approved. "We shall show it off in its naked deformity before it passes the Senate," as Buchanan observes. Buchanan also discusses the support for Democratic...

Senator James Buchanan defends his position as a candidate for President and discusses Pennsylvania's important role in national politics. "I have never yet deemed myself a candidate for the highest office, nor have I considered it," as Buchanan tells M. S. Blackman. Transcript included.

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...

Senator James Buchanan writes to Thomas Brice regarding how society values "mechanicks" and argues against cutting the salaries of members of Congress. Buchanan explains that Brice "underrates the estimation in which our mechanicks are held." "I know no man who now holds a more influential...

Former President Andrew Jackson writes J. Southall to discus a letter that President John Tyler wrote to a "Govr. Branch" and explain what he believes the United States policy should be towards Great Britain. "It behoves [President Tyler] to meet now...

Senator James Buchanan writes to James X. McLanahan, a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate, regarding how postmasters are appointed and removed, Pennsylvania politics, and the apportionment bill. "Now the power of removal rests with the President alone; and this he has already exercised," as...

Senator James Buchanan responds to P. G. Washington's request for a recommendation for a political appointment. "I have recommended no friend for office," as Buchanan explains, "since the present administration came into power." Transcript included.

Senator James Buchanan writes to Harrison Wright regarding President William Henry Harrison's administration and the appointment of a postmaster in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania. Buchanan also comments on Vice President John Tyler's ambitions. "Tyler has determined to be the next President if he...

Isaac Dillon prepared this oration, entitled “British Empire in the East," for the commencement ceremonies held July 13, 1843. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

Barnabas Bates writes to Jesse Miller and asks for a "biographical sketch" of Senator James Buchanan. If "we publish the Democrats' Almanac for 1844," Bates wants to have Buchanan's sketch "prepared." Bates also discusses preparations for the Democratic National Convention in Syracuse, New York...

James Buchanan writes to John M. Read regarding candidates for the Pennsylvania gubernatorial election of 1844 as well as how legislation on slavery is increasing sectional tensions. "At the North we are totally ignorant of the deep, pervading & determined feeling of the South on this...