Saturday Evening Gazette/June 7, 1856/The Democratic Nominations

The Democratic Nominations.—The Democratic Convention at Cincinnati have nominated James Buchanan of Pennsylvania, for President, on the seventeenth ballot, by an unanimous vote. John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky, was nominated for Vice President. Mr. Buchanan is the best nominee the Democrats have made since General Jackson. The Post gives the following sketch of him:—

“Mr. Buchanan was born in Franklin county, Pa., April 13, 1791. (He is the son of an Irishman who emigrated to this country.) After passing through a classical and academic course of study, he entered the practice of the law, and in 1814 was elected a member of the House of Assembly. He was re-elected in 1815, but declined another re-election. He continued to grow in public confidence, and in 1820 was elected a member of Congress, and was re-elected until the fifth election, when March 1, 1831, he retired to private life. He had warmly advocated the election of Gen. Jackson to the presidency; and the latter in May, 1831, tendered him the mission to Russia. This honor he accepted, and fulfilled the duties of the mission with distinguished ability. In 1834, immediately on his return, he was elected to the Senate of the United States to fill the unexpired term occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Wilkins; in 1836 he was elected for a full term, and in 1843 was re-elected. In March 1845 he was appointed by President Polk Secretary of State, and served the country in that capacity through his administration. In 1852, on the nomination of Pierce and King, Mr. Buchanan came out in a noble manner in their support, and made some of the ablest speeches in that campaign. He was tendered by President Pierce the mission to England. Such is the suavity of his manner, and the dignity of his bearing, and the solid weight of his character, that few ministers have served their country more acceptably.”