Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Buchanan, James (1791-1868) to unknown

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04575 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James (1791-1868) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 February 1849 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25.4 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy

Obliges recipient's request to be introduced to Colonel Fremont and General Smith if he decides to travel to California. Assures him that the reports of abundant gold resources are true. Buchanan is unable to suggest the best route to California over land, but suggests taking a boat to Chagres, Panama, and crossing the isthmus to board the steamer for San Francisco.

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources