smart enough to realize the value of a conditional grant to Mrs. Reed. It would serve as an incentive for her to keep her procrastinating husband on the job. (Page 419, President James Buchanan, A Biography). William B. Reed was a rather distinguished writer, although a controversial figure. He was an

Buchanan became President Polk's Secretary of State and Cameron succeeded him as one of the United States Sena- tors from Pennsylvania, embarking on an active political career as a Democrat. He advocated the protective tariff, but failed re-election in 1851.7 However, in 1857, Comeron's successful

. Hoping you may be able to proclaim on the 5th of November, from it in thunder tones, to the inhabitants of your beautiful city and the sur- rounding country, that Pennsylvania's Favorite Son, the Hon. James Bu- chanan, is the President-Elect of these United States. I remain, yours respectfully, Henry B

food. Could it have been in an effort to harm the President, or did poi- soned rats spoil the source of the drinking water? Many were sickened, some died, and among the latter was Elliot Eskridge Lane, a victim of the "National Hotel Epidemic." His death occurred March 26, 1857, and on the 29th funeral

principal fear of the Federalists seemed to be that, as a result of this naval engagement, the United States would come under the domination of Napoleon Bonaparte and his imperial designs. Some Harrisburg Federalists believed it was the general opinion among the people that the American government was, at