Henry Augustus Muhlenberg prepared this oration, entitled “The Past," for the commencement ceremonies held July 9, 1840. Authoring an original speech was among the graduation requirements for Dickinson College seniors at that time. Transcript included.

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.

Spencer Fullerton Baird compiles a "List of the Birds of the United States (from Aububon), prefixed to which is a List of the Birds found near Carlisle, Pennsylvania" The document contains the type of bird, time when first shot, and "when known."

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.

Vice President-elect John Tyler writes Representative Henry A. Wise to discusses several political issues, including the sanctity of party pledges, the character of President-elect William Henry Harrison, and the uncertainty as to the makeup of the new cabinet. Harrison "will be President... in...

Richard Van Boskirk Lincoln, a member of the Class of 1841, receives this diploma as a member of the Union Philosophical Society in 1841.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Brooke Taney writes to David Hoffman and explains why he must "decline taking any part in matters" relating "to the mission to Austria." While Taney would prefer to meet with Hoffman to discuss this issue, he notes that there is too much "business on the court...

Wilson Lee Spottswood prepared this oration, entitled “Deficiency of Literature," 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.

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.

Henry Baker Harnsberger receives his Bachelor of Arts Diploma from Dickinson College on July 8, 1841.

Joseph Clubine Rhodes (Class of 1838) receives his Master of Arts Diploma from Dickinson College on July 8, 1841.

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...