Senator James Buchanan writes to George Guier and explains why he cannot help Guier's son secure an appointment as a notary public in California. "The President has no power to appoint a Notary Public in California or to make any other civil appointment in that territory," as Buchanan explains....

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes former Representative Caleb Cushing and offers him an appointment as "the chief clerkship in the Department of State." "Your services in this position, in the present state of our foreign relations might be of much advantage to your country," as Buchanan...

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Francis W. Pickens, a member of the South Carolina Senate, regarding the new James K. Polk administration, Buchanan's adjustment to life as a cabinet appointee, and Pickens' decision to not accept the position of United States Minister to the United...

Diplomat and politician Richard Rush writes to Colonel Thomas Aspinwall, discussing the upcoming publication of Aspinwall's book in Philadelphia, the possibility of publishing a second edition in London, and the reproduction of excerpts in Philadelphia newspapers.

This copy of the printed program for the commencement exercises held on July 10, 1845 shows the members of the graduating class and the speeches that they were scheduled to deliver.

Secretary of State James Buchanan writes to Charles Ward regarding Ward's appointment as the new "Consul of the U. States for the Island of Zanzibar." Transcript included.

Secretary of State James Buchanan to diplomat J. Randolph Clay regarding future diplomatic appointments, the annexation of Texas, and the possibility of a war with Mexico. "I think, from present appearances we shall have no war with Mexico; but this is yet uncertain," as Buchanan explains....

Dickinson Professor John Reed writes to John Brock with information about a legal issue. "Judge [Samuel] Hepburn is absent at Juniata Court," but Reed is confident that "I can have the certificate in due form upon his return." Transcript included.

The Dickinson College catalog for the 1846-1847 academic year. Through the years, the annual catalog was variously titled "The Bulletin," "Catalogue and Register," "Course Catalog," and similar variants. The catalog typically includes the list of courses offered, requirements for enrollment,...

Former Dickinson College President John P. Durbin writes to a committee, which consists of Daniel Gans, William M. Hall, and Charles Black, and thanks them for "the honor" of electing him into their society. Durbin, however, notes his "regret" in having to "decline your kind invitation to...

Secretary of State James Buchanan (Class of 1809) writes to Massachusetts Senator John Davis regarding the burglary of Mrs. Sally Blake's house in Boston. The burglar, William Baird, has fled the United States for Britain, and it is Buchanan's opinion that "the expense attending the apprehension...

Dickinson Professor John Reed writes to John Brock and discusses legal issues related to whether women have the right to make a deed. Even though he cites various case law, Reed notes that Brock's "questions... are of a vexed sort and not readily settled." Transcript included.