British Enlistments in the United States—Recall of the 134 English Minister at Washington—The Ostend Conference CHAPTER VII. 1854-1855. The Social Position of Mr. Buchanan and his Niece in England 142 CHAPTER VIII. 1856. Return to America—Nomination and Election to the 169 Presidency—Significance of Mr. Buchanan’s Election in respect to the Sectional Questions—Private Correspondence CHAPTER IX. 1857-1858. Inauguration as President—Selection of a Cabinet—The 187 Disturbances in Kansas—Mr. Buchanan’s Construction of the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and of the “Platform” on which he was elected—Final Admission of Kansas into the Union CHAPTER X. 1857-1861. Foreign Relations during Mr. Buchanan’s Administration 211 CHAPTER XI. 1858-1860. Complimentary Gift from Prince Albert to Mr. Buchanan—Visit 228 of the Prince of Wales—Correspondence with the Queen—Minor Incidents of the Administration—Traits of Character—Letters to Miss Lane—Marriage of a young Friend CHAPTER XII. 1860—March and June. The so-called “Covode Investigation.” 246 CHAPTER XIII. Summary of the Slavery Questions from 1787 to 1860—The 262 Anti-Slavery Agitation in the North—Growth and Political Triumph of the Republican Party—Fatal Divisions among the Democrats—Mr. Buchanan declines to be regarded as a Candidate for a second Election CHAPTER XIV. 1860—October. General Scott’s “Views.” 297 CHAPTER XV. 1860—November. Election of President Lincoln—The Secession of South 315 Carolina—Nature of the Doctrine of Secession—President Buchanan prepares to encounter the Secession Movement—Distinction between making War on a State and enforcing the Laws of the United States CHAPTER XVI. 1860—December. The President’s Annual Message of December 3, 1860 330 CHAPTER XVII. 1860—December. Reception of the President’s Message in the Cabinet, in 352 Congress, and in the Country—The firm Attitude and wise Policy of Mr. Buchanan CHAPTER XVIII. 1860—December.