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Stanton, Edwin McMasters (1814-1869) to James Buchanan

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02735 Author/Creator: Stanton, Edwin McMasters (1814-1869) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 March 1860 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 25.5 x 20.6 cm.

Summary of Content: Writes to President Buchanan to forward an enclosed letter [not present] from Reverend William D. Howard, a Presbyterian clergyman from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Howard's letter recommends his son, Robert R. Howard, for the position of District Attorney in Nebraska territory. Declares, "He read law under my direction, is a very industrious worthy young gentleman, of more than ordinary ability, a good lawyer and sound democrat, and would be an excellent appointment to the District Attorneyship." Note in pen on verso in different handwriting listing date, authorship of Stanton's letter, and a brief summary of its contents.

Background Information: Edwin McMasters Stanton (1814-1869), a lawyer from Ohio, was Attorney General under President James Buchanan (1860-1861). He also served as Secretary of War (1862-1868). He briefly lived in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

People: Buchanan, James, 1791-1868
Stanton, Edwin McMasters, 1814-1869

Historical Era: National Expansion and Reform, 1815-1860

Subjects: PresidentGovernment and CivicsLetter of Introduction or RecommendationLawDemocratic Party

Sub Era: Age of Jackson

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