Rhinebeck, July 31st, 1831.
dear Claiborne,
— On my return yesterday from a fortnight's tour through the New England
States, I had the pleasure to receive your favor. It was a great treat. You
must either know my taste in familiar correspondence, or, from some parity of
disposition, you have served up a series of dishes that suit my palate. I have
but one objection to your letter, that is, to “burn it.” I will execute your
injunction with regret. When you understand my method and care in filing
letters received in an off-hand, friendly correspondence, you will be under no
apprehension that even an accident will ever expose your sensibility or your
criticisms to the curiosity or remarks of others. I have the same delicacy
myself. There are flowers that bloom in the shade of personal confidence that
the storms of vulgar life would convert into worthless weeds.
You fancy that the short respite I am now enjoying from the
vexatious cares of my office will destroy my taste for active pursuits. Not so.
In 1826 I determined to devote the vigor and strength of my life to honorable
and useful ambition. Sweet as the repose and retirement of philosophy may be — and
a charming picture you have drawn of it — I will not shrink from the labor and
the struggle which that determination will cost. To raise the standard of
independence, and boldly fling it in the face of any party; sink or swim, to
stand by the best interests of our country; to bravo the shock of public
opinion when required, shall be to me a pleasure. In pursuing such a course,
how happy I shall be to find myself side by side with the virtuous,
intelligent, and generous young men of our state. A phalanx of bold,
independent, and honest men may be, for a long time, in the minority, but even
then their influence upon public affairs will be felt and respected, and an
intelligent and high-toned people will, sooner or later, appreciate their
merits.
SOURCE: John F. H. Quitman, Life and Correspondence
of John A. Quitman, Volume 1, p. 105-6
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