Letter from James Buchanan to Francis W. Pickens

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 Kingdom. "The administration is I think proceeding smoothly as well as firmly," and as Buchanan explains, "Colonel Polk will make himself known to his Country as an able & honest President before the close of his term." Transcript included.