Letter from James Buchanan to James Henry

James Buchanan writes to his nephew and legal ward, James Buchanan Henry, regarding commencement at Princeton and Henry's plans for after graduation. "I shall certainly attend your commencement, should your position in the Class be such as I fondly hope & expect," as Buchanan explains. While Henry had proposed to study chemistry and painting during his vacation, Buchanan warns him to not delay in starting to study law. "The law is a jealous mistress & will not brook rivals," as Buchanan notes. A postscript notes the results of Henry's report from school, in which Henry is ranked 8 in a class of 64. Transcript included.