Democrat James Buchanan was elected the fifteenth President of the United States. (By Joanne Williams) 

James Buchanan, having arrived in the United Kingdom six days before, presented his credentials to the Court of Saint James as the new American ambassador. Buchanan had attempted to back out of his commitment to serve as minister, but after Pierce had convinced him that it would be an embarrassment to do so he fulfilled his new role. His niece Harriet Lane joined him in London for much of his stay. (By Joanne Williams)

James Buchanan enters the United States Senate representing Pennsylvania as a member of the Democratic Party. He had earlier run for Senate but lost. (By Joanne Williams)

Buchanan has been studying French and trade relations to prepare for this mission. He will undertake it against his mother’s wishes, as she has asked him not to accept the position. (By Joanne Williams)

Ann Coleman, James Buchanan's fiancée until a few days before, dies in Philadelphia. He had began courting her in 1818 and a year later, in July, 1819, they had been betrothed. However, she broke off this engagement in early December and then died less than a week later on December 9, 1819. Buchanan will remain single for the rest of his life. (By Joanne Williams)

James Buchanan was a member of the Federalist Party. After entering the House he quickly became a member of the Judiciary Committee. (By Joanne Williams)

James Buchanan is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar. He had studied law with James Hopkins of Lancaster. (By Joanne Williams)

Buchanan graduated after having succeeded academically at Dickinson. He had personal conflicts with some members of the faculty over his intellectual arrogance during his time at the College and he later stated that he left “feeling but little attachment to the Alma Mater.” Still, Dickinson does seem to have left its mark on the young man. (By Joanne Williams)