Thirty four letters, most from James Buchanan, 1832-1867
Description
Various locations, 1832-1867 (The originals of the following 34 letters and one poem are owned by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.)
Letter 1 Washington, 12 October 1847 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry, Georgetown College, making an appointment for his nephew at his dentist, Dr. Gunnell and stating that he will not use his former dentist, Mr. Humphreys; Mr. Bartle or Buchanan will accompany him.
Letter 2 Wheatland, 17 August 1849 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. [Henry] noting that many inquired of him at Bedford Springs; wishing him to get his teeth properly attended to; hoping that he will be able to enter the sophomore class at Princeton; concluding with family gossip including the visit of Mrs. Greenhow, her three daughters, and a nurse along with Harriet and Eskridge Lane; and finally hoping to see him “should you answer my reasonable expectations; otherwise your presence will afford me no pleasure.” Sent to Bolmar’s, at Bolmar’s, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Letter 3 Wheatland, 7 March 1850 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry reporting that he is happy that Mr. Macken sent him the “Dictionnaire Universal”; asking that he bring the dog Mr. Bolmar promised; family gossip including Buchanan’s visit to Miss Dow, “your Sweetheart in Washington,” but she won’t wait long for a proposal; the Pleasantons spoke highly of him; and Clem regrets not writing. Sent to Bolmar’s, West Chester, Pennsylvania.
Letter 4 Clarendon Hotel, London, 15 September 1853 (Fragment) Letter from James Buchanan probably to James B. Henry imploring him to apply diligence and application to his studies; describing the dull London scene since most of the “fashionables” are out of town, mentioning the large number of Americans passing through the Legation because of passports, Col. Sickles, Mr. Welsh and Mr. Lawrence make this the best Legation of all, and his New York servant is excellent; having to house at present vexes him; will visit the Ladies Wellesley and Stafford in a palace built by Cardinal Wolsey; Mr. Peabody “the great & rich American Banker” hosted a “magnificent” dinner at the Garter Hotel, along with about forty Americans; is appreciative of Mr. Ingersoll and his niece, Miss Willcox; and finally wants to be remembered to “Miss Lily and her father, Mr. & Mrs. Plett, Mr. & Mrs. Van Dyke & Miss Mary & Louise, Mr. & Mrs. Tyler, Mr. & Mcs. M’Kibbin” and especially to young Mr. McKibbin for the cigars and his kindest regards toand r. & Mrs. Cadwalader, Pierce Butler, Col. Marin, Mr. Wescott and …[Rest of letter cut off]
Letter 5 U.S. Legation, London, 2 February 1855 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry expressing happiness that Henry has recovered his health at Wheatland and hopes to return in October; praises Henry’s uncle and aunt for their positive influence on him; thanks him for the local information and remember him kindly to “the late Miss Theodora, now Mrs. I know not what”; liked Coke upon Littleton but didn’t care for the Lord, who was also the Lord Chancellor, but likes the present one; does not think the debaters in Parliament are superior of those of the U.S.; cautions him to postpone a trip to Europe until his education is finished; urges him to invest his “surplus” instead of spending it; Harriet is visiting friends in Lancashire and really enjoying her friendships; reporting that his health is “as usual, ” he asks to be remembered to “Mr Cadwalader, Mr. & Mrs. Plett & all other friends.” Sent in care of Henry & Sharff, 14 Wall St., New York.
Letter 6 Legation of the United States, London, 2 March 1855 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry expressing his happiness of Henry’s health and his deep interest in his welfare; urges him to stay in Pennsylvania to set up his practice; and to defer any decisions concerning his resettling until Buchanan returns in October. Sent to 84 West 48 Street, New York.
Letter 7 Legation of the United States, London, 27 July 1855 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry hoping to be home in time for Henry’s admission to the bar and his return from Europe; saying that the news of the war is received by every steamer, and while he hates “the season,” Harriet thrives on it; imploring him to always tell the truth, even to avoid “white lies” and fibs; hoping his tenure will end on September 30, comparing the English unfavorably to Americans; and asking to be remembered to Mr. and Mrs. Plett and to Mr. Cadwalader; Harriet sends her love. [Signature cut out]
Letter 8 U.S. Legation, Paris, 24 March 1856 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry noting that in Paris he is visiting Judge Mason and then to the Hague to visit Mr. Belmont, then to Brussels, back to Paris, and then embark on The Arago at Havre on April 9; saying that Mr. Dallas will present him appropriately, and Mr. Thomas Baring will advance him ?100 if needed; Mr. Moran will stay with Mr. Dallas for only a month longer; the Pennsylvania State Convention treated his friends well; and that Mr. Mason and family will receive Henry when he reaches Paris. Letter 9 Wheatland, 13 June 1862 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry stating that the portrait of the prince arrived and is not standing in the large dining room; sends a few letters for Harriet; Brother Edward left this morning, is happy that Henry’s business is increasing and hopes he has “sufficient energy & industry to keep up with it”; and sends love to his wife and the two Harriets. In a Post Script, Miss Hetty sends her regards and hopes to visit soon. Sent to 14 Wall Street, New York, N. Y.
Letter 10 Wheatland, near Lancaster, 23 August 1863 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry expressing his profound regrets on the loss of Henry’s wife, putting all hope in the Christian faith; spent a fortnight at Bedford, being the oldest man there and was treated very kindly; Annie Buchanan and her sister Lois just completed their visit; and sends kind regards to Mr. Nicholson and his family.
Letter 11 Wheatland, 1 March 1864 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry reporting that he had been downstairs for a fortnight suffering from “painful and acute rheumatism in the legs but hopes to be in the office tomorrow”; the time for cutting coupons is near, including some for Harriet and Miss Hetty; Harriet is ill and Harriet Buchanan is still visiting; the New York Democrats have “put their foot in it” being led by Dean Richmond and August Belmont, etc., who broke up the party in Charleston. Sent to 14 Wall Street, New York.
Letter 12 Wheatland, 19 M[arch] [1861] Letter to James B. Henry from Miss Hetty Parker saying that she has sent by express a number of family items; Buchanan and Harriet are very well, but James Lane has lost his “little Daughter Patty” from scarlet fever; Buchanan and Mr. Lane have reconciled; Mr. Bair rented his farm, his mother is ill at her daughter’s, Mrs. Beisman; Mrs. Fahnestock is visiting; and asked to be remembered to his wife and son Buchanan, as well as Mr. Shell. Sent to 14 Wall Street, New York.
Letter 13 Wheatland, 31 May 1864 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry anticipating his upcoming visit but asking that he dissuade Mr. Schell since Buchanan wants to discuss “domestic matters”; asks that he bring the bond of George Sanderson; asks if the California legislature has recognized Quick Silver Mining Company; and Harriet and Miss Hetty send their love. Sent to 14 Wall Street, New York.
Letter 14 Wheatland, 6 March 1865 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry praising Henry for doing everything right but thinks he has too much stock in Quick Silver; requests a number bonds, mortgages, and coupons; Harriet left for Washington; read with deep sorrow Lincoln’s second inaugural address; asks to be remembered to Mr. Schell and Judge Roosevelt; and Miss Annie and Miss Hetty send their love, the latter suffering from a very bad cold.
Letter 15 Wheatland, 24 January 1866 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry saying he is ready to send the drafts; asking that he tell Mrs. Johnston he has letters from Mr. Herbert Saunders and Mr. Cellon congratulating her on her marriage; and that he has not written because he is not sure she has returned to New York. Sent to 14 Wall Street, New York.
Letter 16 Wheatland, 24 August 1866 Letter to James B. Henry expressing anxiousness over a deed for some property in Maryland because of “Bowie and his prevarications” and Mrs. Leonard’s abuse of him; wanting to make sure he has clear title; met Frederick S. Poole of Poolesville, who knows the property in question; and Mrs. Johnston and Becky Shunk (formerly Black) are visiting.
Letter 17 Wheatland, 13 September 1866 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry expressing happiness that the property in Maryland is being handled but does not wish to dispossess the Leonards; encloses a check for expenses and fee; Harriet is still visiting but Mrs. Johnston left yesterday and seems very happily pregnant; his health is as usual; thinks the defection of Mr. Johnston from his party will not add much to the strength of the Democrats; Harriet and Miss Hetty send love; asks to be remembered to the Judge and Mr. Schell. Sent to 240 Broadway, New York.
Letter 18 Wheatland, 5 February 1867 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry reporting that Mrs. Leonard had died, leaving only one child, and that he will not evict Mr. Leonard at the moment, partly because there is no one else to live on the property since Mr. Riggs cannot; mentions several other coupons coming due; is sorry Henry lost the Tyler will case and wishes Henry had argued the case before the Court of Appeals himself; Mr. Shunk’s health is not good and wants to connect himself with a daily newspaper in Philadelphia; he has a charming person; Buchanan’s rheumatism is troublesome; and Miss Hetty wants to be kindly remembered. Sent to 240 Broadway, New York.
Letter 19 Wheatland, 10 June 1867 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry hoping for a visit soon to consume his “excellent claret & can furnish you as much of this medicine as your heart can desire”; more coupons are due; Annie and Alice Buchanan are visiting; and Miss Hetty is still on the crutch. Letter 20 Wheatland, 25 July 1867 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry regretting that he can’t travel much except for a few days at Cape May, accompanied by Mr. Baker; William Buchanan, suffering from consumption, is visiting and being nursed by Miss Annie; Harriet will spend two months at Wheatland after visiting Bedford Springs; was happy that Henry visited; more coupons due; worries about his relationship with Chemical Bank; and would like to see Henry’s son. Sent to 33 Wall Street, New York.
Letter 21 Wheatland, near Lancaster, 16 September 1867 Letter from James Buchanan to James B. Henry acknowledging the receipt of the gin but Benton’s book and the knife sharpener have not come; Mr. Shunk has misplaced papers vital to Buchanan’s needs, he will have Mr. Reed handle the matter; Mr. Johnston just left for Baltimore and Mrs. Johnston and the baby are well; Buchanan’s health is not very good, but while the medicine is not totally effective he has faith he will recover; welcomes Mr. Schell any time; and encloses a check for the gin, etc.
Letter 22 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 13 August 1861 Power of Attorney granted to Messrs. William and John O’Brien of the City of New York to transfer a certificate in Virginia.
Letter 23 Washington, 11 December 1837 Letter from James Buchanan to Rev. Robert Henry acknowledging a check from Dr. Speer and hopes the remaining interest will be forthcoming; living in comfortable quarters with agreeable companions but thinks the upcoming session of Congress will be disagreeable; though the Democrats lost New York this election, they will do better next time; the political climate looks better in the South; James Lane seems to be in good health; Edward and family are also well; encloses an advertisement for a patent medicine for Elizabeth with precautions; sends his love to Elizabeth and implores her to exercise for her health. Sent to Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 24 Washington, 12 March 1838 Letter from James Buchanan to Rev. Robert Henry expressing happiness that the Dr. Speer matter is now closed and sends his love to Harriet. Sent to Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 25 St. Petersburg, Russia, 3 July 1833 Letter from James Buchanan to Elizabeth Buchanan [his mother] hoping to return home after touring parts of Europe, reaching the U.S. early in December; describes his visit to Moscow and was impressed; visited the Shrine of St. Sierge the Tutelary; his health is good, but cannot get used to almost twenty-four hours of light; will give a dinner for all respectable Americans in St. Petersburg; he likes the only resident American merchant in St. Petersburg, Mr. Ropes; met Mr. Swan, a missionary to the “Pagans of Siberia”; received newspapers from New York, but no letters; learned of Edward’s marriage second hand, but not from Edward; sends love to Harriett and Elisabeth and Mr. Henry. Sent care of the Rev. Mr. Henry, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Letter 26 No place, no date Poem by Elizabeth Buchanan [Buchanan’s mother] praising the rural, poor life over that of the city and the rich.
Letter 27 St. Petersburg, 3/15 August 1832 Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry expressing his happiness that she is married and his feelings over her not being married; sharing his thoughts on St. Petersburg and Russia, emphasizing the “profanation of the Lord’s day particularly in the afternoon”; his “domestic arrangements” are comfortable; comments on his staff, Mr. Clay, the Secretary of Legation and Mr. Barry, and the American Consul, Mr. Gibson and Mr. Munroe, aid-de-camp of the Emperor; would like to hear from ”poor George” and how he is preparing for death; describes the climate, the effect on his health and the cholera epidemic in Canada; sends regards to Mr. Henry and Elisabeth and “any members of our family whom you may see.” Sent care of the Rev. Mr. Henry, Greensburg, Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.
Letter 28 St. Petersburg, 14/20 January, or 26th N. S. 1833 Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry grateful to have received her letter describing her marriage but disappointed that her letter took so long to reach him; has more leisure since the treaty and has made acquaintances among the populace; the horrors of the Russian winters are highly exaggerated even with the very short days; describes “the strangest spectacle I have ever witnessed”: a ball to which 20,000 people were invited; five hundred guests, including Buchanan, ate in an apartment reminiscent of an Arabian Nights setting; describes the uncomfortable situation of the Queen of Georgia since her country is now a province of Russia; has asked General Jackson to allow him to return home, perhaps in November; deeply hurt over the death of George; enjoys the company of Munroe, of a good family in Washington; cautions her not to fall into the trap of many clergyman’s wives, that of setting themselves up as leaders among the women; wishes to be remembered kindly to their mother, Elisabeth, and Mr. Henry, as well as any other “persons in your family.” Sent care of the Rev. Mr. Henry, Greensburg, Pennsylvania.
Letter 29 Lancaster, 4 November 1837 Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry expressing condolences upon the death of her husband and saying Mr. Henry’s last two letters just arrived and would account for Buchanan’s absence at her time of great need; offers advice on how to cope and invites her to live with him; plans to join her as soon as possible; Jane is still here and invites Harriett to spend the winter with her. Sent to Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 30 [Lancaster], 2 April 1839 [Fragment] Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry saying that since he has not practiced law since returning from Russia but giving some advice on how property of the deceased might be disposed of including the money Mr. Davis has in his administrator's account. Sent to Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 31 Lancaster, 26 October 1839 Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry expressing happiness that her health has improved through a letter from Dr. Speer; offers advice of “fixing” Elisabeth for the winter and praising her good conduct; and asks to be remembered to Mr. Lane and the family.
Letter 32 Lancaster, 11 November 1839 Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry expressing pleasure that through a letter from Elizabeth he found out that Harriett’s health had greatly improved and admonishes her to fight depression and not to fear death; will visit her before going to Washington if she wishes; will handle the necessary papers to arrange of the disposition of her property; is puzzled over Elisabeth’s thanking him for money he never sent; asks to be remembered to Elisabeth, the little girls, Mr. Lane Sr.; and Miss Hetty sends her love to Harriett and Elisabeth; short list of questions follow. Sent to Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 33 May Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry enclosing a check for $100 for the use of Harriett and Elisabeth; encloses a letter from Mr. McLaughlin, with the money removed for safe keeping; James instructed him to keep any money enclosed in a letter from him; she will be in Philadelphia visiting Edward and Buchanan will go also. Sent to Mrs. Israel’s No. 91, S. 3d. Street, Philadelphia.
Letter 34 September Letter from James Buchanan to Harriett B. Henry saying that Miss Hetty will write soon; will come to see her if she stays unwell; sends regards to the little girls and Mr. Lane; wonders if she is taking counterfeit Beckwith pills because Mrs. Slaymaker was cured with the genuine ones.
Sent to Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania. (fragment only)
Letter 29 Lancaster, 4 November 1837
Letter to Harriett B. Henry expressing condolences upon the death of her husband and saying Mr. Henry’s last two letters just arrived and would account for Buchanan’s absence at her time of great need; offers advice on how to cope and invites her to live with him; plans to join her as soon as possible; Jane is still here and invites Harriett to spend the winter with her. Sent to Greensburg, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 30 [Lancaster], 2 April 1839 [Fragment]
Letter to Harriett B. Henry saying that since he has not practiced law since returning from Russia but giving some advice on how property of the deceased might be disposed of including the money Mr. Davis has in his admin. account. Sent to Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 31 Lancaster, 26 October 1839
Letter to Harriett B. Henry expressing happiness that her health has improved through a letter from Dr. Speer; offers advice of “fixing” Elisabeth for the winter and praising her good conduct; and asks to be remembered to Mr. Lane and the family.
Letter 32 Lancaster, 11 November 1839
Letter to Harriett B. Henry expressing pleasure that through a letter from Elizabeth he found out that Harriett’s health had greatly improved and admonishes her to fight depression and not to fear death; will visit her before going to Washington if she wishes; will handle the necessary papers to arrange of the disposition of her property; is puzzled over Elisabeth’s thanking him for money he never sent; asks to be remembered to Elisabeth, the little girls, Mr. Lane Sr.; and Miss Hetty sends her love to Harriett and Elisabeth; short list of questions follow. Sent to Mercersburg, Franklin County, Pennsylvania.
Letter 33 May
Letter to Harriett B. Henry enclosing a check for $100 for the use of Harriett and Elisabeth; encloses a letter from Mr. McLaughlin, with the money removed for safe keeping; James instructed him to keep any money enclosed in a letter from him; she will be in Philadelphia visiting Edward and Buchanan will go also. Sent to Mrs. Israel’s No. 91, S. 3d. Street, Philadelphia.
Letter 34 September
Letter to Harriett B. Henry saying that Miss Hetty will write soon; will come to see her if she stays unwell; sends regards to the little girls and Mr. Lane; wonders if she is taking counterfeit Beckwith pills because Mrs. Slaymaker was cured with the genuine ones.
James Buchanan Papers, Penn State University Libraries,
https://libraries.psu.edu/findingaids/1458.htm
Related Item Notes
James Buchanan Family Papers
MG-96 James Buchanan Collection
Historical Society of Pennsylvania microfilm
Photograph collections
Curatorial collections
Wheatland Mansion
Notes
May 2020 PastPerfect Conversion
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Credit
Courtesy of LancasterHistory, Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Accession Number
JBMS2010.002-34
Other Number
JBFP Part 1, Series 1, Subseries 1, Folder 243
Description Level
Item
Custodial History
The James Buchanan Family Papers were collected by the James Buchanan Foundation for the Preservation of Wheatland. This collection was relocated from the Wheatland mansion to the LancasterHistory archives in the Spring of 2009. Digitization of the James Buchanan Family Papers was funded by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, PHMC Appl ID # 201808013051, 2019-2020.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners' Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
System of Arrangement
The record group is organized chronologically, then arranged by order number within each year.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners.
This record group contains canceled orders that were issued by the county commissioners for payment to be made by the county treasurer. The orders show date, order number, amount, name of payee, purpose, and signatures of the county commissioners. In the case of "poor children," teachers were reimbursed by the county for tuition and/or the supplies purchased for students whose parents were unable to pay. Orders include: Poor Children, Almshouse, Bridges, Coroners' Inquests, Prisons, Roads, Court House, and Tax Exonerations.
System of Arrangement
The record group is organized chronologically, then arranged by order number within each year.
Renunciations are papers filed in the Orphans' Court by executors of an estate who do not wish to administer that estate. They show the name of the decedent, the decedent's place of residence, the name of the person renouncing administration, the name of the replacement administrator to be appointed, and date. The relationship between the decedent, the executor, and the administrator is usually shown. Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
Renunciations are papers filed in the Orphans' Court by executors of an estate who do not wish to administer that estate. They show the name of the decedent, the decedent's place of residence, the name of the person renouncing administration, the name of the replacement administrator to be appointed, and date. The relationship between the decedent, the executor, and the administrator is usually shown. Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
Renunciations are papers filed in the Orphans' Court by executors of an estate who do not wish to administer that estate. They show the name of the decedent, the decedent's place of residence, the name of the person renouncing administration, the name of the replacement administrator to be appointed, and date. The relationship between the decedent, the executor, and the administrator is usually shown. Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
System of Arrangement
Arranged chronologically and then alphabetically within each year.
