President Buchanan in his later years

In 1865, James Buchanan was no longer serving as the President of the United States. Buchanan, a Democrat, held the presidency from 1857 to 1861, preceding Abraham Lincoln. His term was marked by sectional tensions and the lead-up to the Civil War.

By 1865, the Civil War had reached its conclusion, with General Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House in April of that year. Abraham Lincoln was in office, guiding the nation through the tumultuous period of Reconstruction.

James Buchanan, during his presidency, faced challenges related to the issue of slavery and the secession crisis. His perceived inability to address these issues effectively contributed to the deepening divide between Northern and Southern states. Following his presidency, Buchanan withdrew from active politics, and by 1865, he was no longer directly involved in the unfolding events of the Civil War or the subsequent Reconstruction era.