The Writings of James K. Polk

By Angel Ortiz

Overview O The writings of James Polk are one of

the most completed 19th century presidential collections.

O There are a total of 125 volumes of written collections by Polk and 25 volumes that he wrote as part of his diary.

O Most of these papers are post 1825. Only 2 volumes of his writings are before that.

Overview Cont.O For most of the 1820’s Polk’s Papers

consisted of mostly legal and financial papers, notes to himself, and memorandums.

O Overall, most of his papers were letters that he received were from Governors or past Presidents.

O He also had a particular interest in sending letters to Andrew Jackson, who became sort of a father figure to him.

DiaryO Polk wrote in his diary

almost every day about the stress he deals with at work.

O He wrote in great detail about his daily duties, meetings with important officials, and often how he is feeling and current mood.

Diary Cont.O Currently, Polk’s diary is one of the

most extensive collections of any President.

O Its insight into the life of a president was a valuable resource to scholars who wished to know more about the type of stress Presidents go through each day.

O Besides his diary, Polk’s letters were also very detailed and contained important information.

Letters

Letters Cont.O Polk often wrote in a very formal way to

everyone including Andrew Jackson.O He often wrote to Jackson about

completed tasks he had done for Jackson, or just to see how Jackson was doing, especially during the presidency.

O Especially during Jackson’s presidency, Polk would often send Jackson letters regarding the state of the Union an also his views from within the House.

Letter to Jackson

Letters

Letters Cont.O The reason I chose these set of letters is

because they all share in common Polk’s hard work and dedication to his work.

O The letters he sent were heavily about work and whenever he was not sending letters, he was writing in his diary about the day he’s had.

O Polk’s papers have demonstrated the amount of work Polk put into the presidency, and have been an invaluable source into the work of a diligent president.

Works CitedO Google Book Contributors. "Polk

Papers." Https://books.google.com/books?id=UY6mGC_HGVIC&pg=PA524&lpg=PA524 Google, 12 Mar. 2007. Web. 18 July 2015.

O Library of Congress. "Index to the James K. Polk Papers." (2003): n. page. Print.