Ministering, 1844–1848

Chapter 5 traces a period of extended separation between Buchanan and King, from 1844 to 1848. During the administration of President James Polk each man turned his attention to foreign policy concerns, with Buchanan as secretary of state and King as American minister to France. Their relationship had now been transformed from an intimate boardinghouse friendship into one of political superior (Buchanan) to subordinate (King). But their continued collaboration proved critical as the nation navigated first the Oregon territorial crisis and then the War with Mexico, both of which required careful diplomacy to avoid entanglements with European powers. The end of their respective terms of ministerial service found each man considering retirement, but each tried and failed once more for their party’s presidential and vice presidential nominations.