James Buchanan draft of inaugural address, March 4, 1857

James Buchanan (1791-1868) collection, 1829-1865

1857-03-04

1 item ; 26 leaves

A manuscript copy, signed and with corrections in James Buchanan’s hand, of his inaugural address at his swearing-in as the fifteenth president of the United States. Notorious as the president whose term immediately preceded the outbreak of the Civil War, Buchanan begins his presidency by attempting to address the sectional conflicts then brewing over slavery. Celebrating the role of popular sovereignty in easing tensions, Buchanan takes an optimistic approach that ensuing events would later prove incorrect.

New-York Historical Society

Mss Collection - AHMC - Buchanan, James (1791-1868)

Presidents--United States--Election--1856

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868--Inauguration, 1857

United States--History--1849-1877--Sources
United States--Politics and government--1857-1861--Sources

Addresses
Inaugurations (cultural ceremonies)
Speeches (documents)

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