of National Republicans, while the opposing party assumed the name of Democrats.  Mr. Buchanan was one of the leaders of the opposition in the House of Representatives.  Was always a strong supporter and warm personal friend of General Jackson.  In March 1831, at the close of the Twenty-first Congress, it was Mr. Buchanan’s wish to retire from public life, but at the request of President Jackson he accepted the mission to Russia; negotiated a commercial treaty with that country.  August 8, 1833, left St. Petersburg, spent a short time in Paris and London, and reached home in November.  In 1834 was appointed one of the commissioners on the part of Pennsylvania to arrange with commissioners from New Jersey concerning the use of the waters of the Delaware River.  December 6, 1834, was elected to the United States Senate to fill a vacancy, and was reelected in January, 1837.  Was conspicuous in the Senate as a supporter of Jackson’s financial policy throughout his Administration and that of his successor, Mr. Van Buren, of the same party.  In 1839 declined the office of Attorney-General, tendered by President Van Buren.  In 1843 was elected to the Senate for a third term, and in 1844 his name was brought forward as the Democratic candidate of Pennsylvania for the Presidential nomination, but before the national convention met he withdrew his name.  At the beginning of the Administration of James K. Polk became Secretary of State, and as such had a number of important questions to deal with, including the settlement of the boundary between Oregon Territory and the British possessions and the annexation of Texas, which resulted in the Mexican War.  On the accession of Mr. Taylor to the Presidency Mr. Buchanan retired for a time from official life.  Was an unsuccessful candidate for the Presidential nomination before the Democratic national convention June 1, 1852.  In April, 1853, was appointed minister to England by President Pierce; was recalled at his own request in 1855.  June 3, 1856, was nominated for President of the United States by the Democratic national convention at Cincinnati, Ohio, and on November 4, 1856, was elected, receiving 174 electoral votes to 114 for John C. Fremont and 8 for Millard Fillmore.  Was inaugurated March 4, 1857.  In 1860 refused the use of his name for renomination.  At the conclusion of his term returned to his home at Wheatland, near Lancaster, Pa.  Died June 1, 1868, and was buried at Wheatland.

INAUGURAL ADDRESS.

Fellow-citizens:  I appear before you this day to take the solemn oath “that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”