Gold Rush Era Letters

Washington 10 January 1849.

My dear Sir/

This will be delivered to you by Mr Franklin Russel, a young fellow townsman of my own in Lancaster, Penna, [Pennsylvania] who is about to seek his fortune in California. He is a gentleman of correct moral deportment & good habits, for whose success in life I feel much interest.

Any attentions with which you may throw him will be gratefully acknowledged by your friend very respectfully

James Buchanan

General Persifor F Smith of the U.S. Army