Scope and Content Note
The papers of William Medill (1802-1865) span the years 1834-1864 and consist of correspondence, account books, and miscellaneous material. The correspondence pertains primarily to Medill's service as first assistant postmaster general, 1845, commissioner of Indian affairs, 1845-1850, and first comptroller of the United States Treasury, 1857-1861. Topics discussed include local Ohio politics; railroad politics; President James K. Polk's settling of the Oregon question; dissatisfaction of Ohio Democrats with the Democratic administrations of Presidents Polk, Franklin Pierce, and James J. Buchanan; abolitionism; and the Mexican War. Correspondents include William Allen, Luther Day, Augustus C. Dodge, James John Faran, Richard M. Johnson, John Y. Mason, S. Medary, Allen Granbery Thurman, David Tod, and Clement L. Vallandigham.