James Buchanan (1791

Biography

James Buchanan Jr. was the 15th president of the United States, serving from 1857 to 1861. He also served as the 17th United States secretary of state from 1845 to 1849 and represented Pennsylvania in both houses of the U.S. Congress. Buchanan was an advocate for states' rights, particularly regarding slavery, and minimized the role of the federal government preceding the American Civil War.

In Their Own Words (5)

The course of events is so rapidly hastening forward that the emergency may soon arise when you may be called upon to decide the momentous question whether you possess the power by force of arms to compel a State to remain in the Union. I should feel myself recreant to my duty were I not to express an opinion on this important subject. The question fairly stated is, Has the Constitution delegated to Congress the power to coerce a State into submission which is attempting to withdraw or has actually withdrawn from the Confederacy? If answered in the affirmative, it must be on the principle that the power has been conferred upon Congress to declare and to make war against a State. After much serious reflection I have arrived at the conclusion that no such power has been delegated to Congress or to any other department of the Federal Government. It is manifest upon an inspection of the Constitution that this is not among the specific and enumerated powers granted to Congress, and it is equally apparent that its exercise is not "necessary and proper for carrying into execution" any one of these powers. So far from this power having been delegated to Congress, it was expressly refused by the Convention which framed the Constitution.

Speech before Congress (3 December 1860). , 1860

I am now ‘solitary and alone,’ having no companion in the house with me. I have gone a wooing to several gentlemen, but have not succeeded with any one of them. I feel that it is not good for man to be alone; and should not be astonished to find myself married to some old maid who can nurse me when I am sick, provide good dinners for me when I am well, and not expect from me any very ardent or romantic affection.

Letter sent to a friend regarding his loneliness following his friend, William R. King, leaving for Paris. (1844). — , 1844

You have lost a child, a dear, dear child. I have lost the only earthly object of my affection.... I have now one request to make,... deny me not. Afford me the melancholy pleasure of seeing her body before internment.

Letter returned to him unopened, to the father of his former fiancée Ann Coleman, written after her death, rumored to have been suicide soon after her breaking of their engagement. (1819). , 1819

Liberty must be allowed to work out its natural results; and these will, ere long, astonish the world.

As quoted in Presidential Leadership : Rating the Best and the Worst in the White House (2004) edited by James Taranto and Leonard Leo. , 2004

I am the last President of the United States!

A statement he is reported to have made several times to others after the secession of South Carolina, or as early as after the election of Abraham Lincoln (1860). — , 1860

Timeline

The story of James Buchanan, told in moments.

1819 Life

His fiancee Ann Coleman broke off their engagement, then died days later. Her family blamed Buchanan. He never married. The only bachelor president in U.S. history.

Did Ann Coleman's death close something inside you permanently? Was staying single a choice or a wound?

1845 Life

Served as Secretary of State under James K. Polk. Helped negotiate the Oregon Treaty with Britain, setting the U.S.-Canada border at the 49th parallel.

Was the Oregon Treaty your proudest achievement? Did diplomacy come naturally?

1857 Event

Inaugurated as the 15th President. Two days later, the Supreme Court issued the Dred Scott decision. Buchanan had privately lobbied justices to rule broadly. The decision inflamed the slavery crisis.

Did you know the Dred Scott decision would destroy your presidency? Do you regret lobbying the justices?

1858 Event

Exchanged greetings with Queen Victoria over the first transatlantic telegraph cable. The signal was so weak the line failed within weeks.

What was it like exchanging greetings with Queen Victoria by telegraph? Did the cable failing feel symbolic?

1868 Death

Died at Wheatland, his estate near Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Age 77. Consistently ranked among the worst U.S. presidents for failing to prevent the Civil War.

How do you live knowing history considers you one of the worst presidents? Could anyone have prevented the Civil War?