25 April 1854

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nahum Capen

Discusses Capen's book, The History of Democracy, and mentions people to whom he has sent it, including members of the press who have responded favorably to it. Comments that although he is doing well in England, he is looking forward to the end of his mission so that he may return home. Written as Minister to Great Britain on stationary printed with "Legation of The United States. London." With later typewritten copy of the letter.

GLC02658

29 June 1840

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry A. Muhlenberg

Comments on the 1840 presidential campaign and states that they are "in the midst of a higher political excitement than I have ever yet witnessed ... " Believes that Pennsylvania will support Democrat Martin Van Buren though the Whigs have claimed the state for William Henry Harrison. Dwells at length upon the Whigs tactics to get the military leader, Harrison, elected. "They have built Log Cabins & drunk hard cider every where. This senseless clamor of Log Cabins & hard cider is an insult to the understandings of the people & is every where beginning to react with…

GLC02919

23 December 1837

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Peter Wager

Buchanan writes as a United States Senator from Pennsylvania. Discusses a possible mistake regarding the price of wine he ordered from Wager. Writes, "We have nothing new here except what you see in the papers. I think a deeper & stronger feeling exists among the southern men, than at any former period, on the subject of the abolition petitions. I begin to fear that the question may prove dangerous to the Union."

GLC02949

21 November 1846

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Letter signed

Title: to John Serretta

Denies three Mexican priests serving in the United States permission to aid their colleagues in Mexico. Suggests that the priests try traveling with a neutral ship. Signed as Secretary of State during the Mexican War. Impression in upper left corner reads "Bath Superfine."

GLC02776

1866

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Book signed

Title: Mr. Buchanan's administration on the eve of rebellion [inscribed, with telegram]

Inscribed to Dr. James R. Speer, With telegram glued to front pastedowns, to Speer, announcing Buchanan's death.

GLC03354

19 June 1856

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Sipes re: regrets that Sipes has written his biography

Buchanan also politely declines to read Sipes' manuscript. He claims that the materials for a biography would have to come from himself in order to be accurate. Also, "an eminent literary friend offered to write my Biography & I gratefully accepted the offer, in case I should deem this necessary."

GLC03243.02

22 June 1846

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document signed

Title: to James Boyd re: circular, instructions to US envoys abroad [printed]

Printed letters signed as Secretary of State.

GLC03712

17 July 1860

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document signed

Title: [Pardon of Jacob Smith for mail tampering].

Pardon is countersigned by Acting Secretary of State William Henry Trescot. After serving his sentence, Jacob Smith continued to be imprisoned in Philadelphia for nonpayment of his $500 fine. He was pardoned by Buchanan after this was petitioned by citizens of Dauphin County (where the offenses took place) and by Pennsylvania Senator William Bigler.

GLC03984

6 August 1851

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to L. Harper

Written from Buchanan's estate, Wheatland. Discusses a recent trip to a General Bowman's home in Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania, where he and other guests held "meetings... which were not confined to Democrats." Referring to an upcoming judicial election, expresses his hope in the election of James Campbell, noting Campbell was the first Catholic to hold a state office. Discusses the Presidential election of 1852, seeing the Democrats/Free Soil alliance in Ohio as a bad omen, alienating Southern Democrats. Writes, "No Democrat can be elected President who shall not receive the Democratic…

GLC04508

19 July 1860

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document signed

Title: [Pardon of John Day for manslaughter in July 1852].

Countersigned by Acting Secretary of State William Henry Trescot. Day was convicted in July, 1852. Buchanan pardoned Day near the end of his sentence for his valuable assistance to the wardens in maintaining order in the penitentiary. Day's service was attested to by Warden C. P. Sengstack, previous wardens I.B. Ellis and Thomas Thornley, and on the report of District Attorney Robert Ould. 2 black and white bust engravings of James Buchanan included.

GLC04550

16 April 1843

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph note signed

Title: to J. H. Hodges

He answers a request concerning Dr. Sturgeon's post office. Written on a half sheet of paper. With offset from an engraving on the front, and a rubber stamp signature of previous owner on verso.

GLC04675.18

February 5, 1849

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Obliges recipient's request to be introduced to Colonel Fremont and General Smith if he decides to travel to California. Assures him that the reports of abundant gold resources are true. Buchanan is unable to suggest the best route to California over land, but suggests taking a boat to Chagres, Panama, and crossing the isthmus to board the steamer for San Francisco.

GLC04575

16 July 1851

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac G. McKinley

Buchanan voices his support for the Fugitive Slave Law, enacted under the Compromise of 1850. Believes the law will be the deciding issue in the upcoming election, and that the Democrats should strongly support it. He writes: "The great issue...ought to be: the maintenance of the fugitive slave law without modification." Another central issue must be "the repeal of our State law denying the use of our jails for the detention of fugitive Slaves." Worries that the South is already distressed, and will become more so if the Fugitive Slave Law is attacked. Mentions a Colonel, possibly Bigler…

GLC04903

27 March 1858

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James William Denver

Writing as President of the United States, Buchanan congratulates Denver, Governor of the Kansas Territory, on his excellent standing with the Territory's citizens. States that the issue of admitting Kansas to the Union will be addressed the following week by the Senate and House of Representatives. Declares that the defeat of the Lecompton Bill, admitting Kansas as a slave state, "would alarm the fears of the Country for the union, reduce the value of property, and injuriously interfere with our reviving trade." Reports that Georgia and Alabama will hold state conventions if Kansas is…

GLC04695

3 July 1833

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Wayne

Buchanan writes as United States Minister to Russia to Colonel Wayne. Relates that he has enjoyed his time in Russia, but will never be "contented to remain under the shadow of despotism longer than my duty to my country requires." Notes his rapid conclusion of a commercial treaty has induced President Jackson to summon him back to the United States. Commenting on Russia, notes "The mass of the people are slaves attached to the soil. A nobleman, in speaking of his estate never refers to the number of his acres; but always to the number of his peasants... no proper means are taken to…

GLC05790

13 June 1848

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document signed

Title: [Patent for Jordan L. Mott's improvement in the process of chilling castings]

Signed by Buchanan as Secretary of State. Countersigned by Edmund Burke, Commissioner of Patents. Mott's written description of his improvement is signed by Edward Lewis and M. D. Van Doren as witnesses. Contains a one-page diagram of Mott's invention. Sealed and bound with faded white ribbon.

GLC07325

13 April 1852

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stiles

Thanks him for sending a copy of his work on the political movements in Austria of 1848-1849. Chastises him for not visiting when he was in the area. Warns against the election of Winfield Scott, the Whig party candidate, to the presidency and states that the only way to avoid this is to keep the Democrats united. Scott's election would lead to " ... a triumph of the North over the South. Thus a more dangerous geographical division of parties would be introduced." Remarks on his faith in the democratic candidates to do good instead of evil. Comments on his own role in turning the tide…

GLC06396

January 24, 1863

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria B. Weaver

Former President Buchanan acknowledges receipt of her letter and thanks her for the photograph she sent of herself. Her friend, his niece, White House hostess Harriet Lane is upset by the death of her brother James Buchanan Lane. Buchanan was supporting Weaver's education, for he promises to pay promptly the next bill for it that he receives. Written from Wheatland, his home near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

GLC06400.01

January 14, 1864

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria B. Weaver

Thanks her for her letter. Disapproves of the remarks of her "female teacher" about religion and is pleased that she also disapproves. For him, "the Christian religion & the teachings of our Saviour and his Apostles are necessary both for this life and the life to come." Asks news of her brother, James. Reports that they have had good sleeping weather.

GLC06400.03

6 April 1858

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document

Title: A Proclamation...concerning the Utah War and its necessity.

Printed declaration by President Buchanan proclaiming that a state of rebellion exists in the Territory of Utah, and offering a pardon to all citizens who submit to the authority of the United States government. The present proclamation mentions Mormon resistance as well as part of Buchanan's plan for peace.

GLC05708

2 April 1836

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Harriet Henry

Buchanan writes to his sister because he is concerned for her health. He writes: "let me strongly urge you to resist the gloomy feelings & apprehensions which I fear you indulge." He asks her to submit to the will of God, but also acknowledges he is not a model Christian. Buchanan assures Harriet that should he survive her, he will comply with any requests she makes of him.

GLC05508.054

15 December 1855

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas H. Seymour

Ambassador to Great Britain Buchanan reports on the Crimean War. Comments on the Diana, Russian Admiral Putiatin's ship, which was wrecked "on the Japanese seas." Promises to relay any information concerning W. Kavalesky. Has not heard anything from Lord Wodehouse. Currently awaiting the Czar's answer to the peace terms offered by Austria and presumably accepted by France and England. Comments that the British "seem determined, if possible, to regain the prestige which they have lost in the last two campaigns," and were expanding their navy in anticipation of a third campaign.

GLC05461

May 3, 1858

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document signed

Title: Pardon of George Kirk, Edward Burr, & George Carroll, convicted of defrauding the revenue.

Convicted of defrauding the revenue; each sentenced to pay a $400 fine and court costs and to be confined until paid. All pardoned due to their inability to pay fine. Signed by James Buchanan. Countersigned by Lewis Cass. Accompanied by a paper seal.

GLC00043.19

December 30, 1859

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Document signed

Title: Pardon of Thomas Wilson, convicted of 2 counts of assault weapon against crewmen on the Schooner "Exchange."

Convicted of 2 counts of assault [one with a dangerous weapon] aboard the Schooner "Exchange" while at sea; in one case, sentenced to 1 year and 3 months imprisonment and in the case involving weapon, sentenced to 2 years hard labor and to pay $1 fine and court costs. Pardoned due to insanity. (c/s Lewis Cass)

GLC00043.20

March 30, 1847

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Letter signed

Title: to Robert Dodge

Granting Dodge a courier's passport for France. Apologizes for being unable to grant the pass originally asked for, but Dodge's intentions did not comply with the uses of that particular document.

GLC00091.03