Cincinnati, Jany 29, 1849.
My Dear Hamlin:
Thank you for your kindness in keeping me advised of events transpiring at
Columbus. Nothing has occurred here of interest since I wrote you.
This morning the Globe contains an admirable article in
relation to the Apportionment Act which does Taylor great credit and which I
hope you will republish. The only thing exceptionable is the reference to me as
having urged a compromise by which
Spencer & Runyon should be admitted to their seats & the Hamilton
County clauses repealed. There is no foundation for this and I hope you will
omit this sentence containing the reference & the next one in case you
republish. The article will read as well without these two sentences as with
them. Don't neglect this; for the reference seems to me calculated to do harm.
All I ever did having any relation to this matter was to
suggest in conversation with Whigs & Democrats before the meeting of the
Legislature the avoidance of all violent excitement by waiving the question of
constitutionality, admitting Spencer & Runyon under the law, &
repealing the clauses. But I never thought that the decision of the
constitutional question could be avoided or should be avoided if insisted on by
either party, and that the law could be held constitutional, if the question
should be pushed to a decision. My opinion on this matter, and also as to prima
facie right are too well known, I think, to allow the possibility of harmful
misrepresentation in most quarters. Still it is possible some may get
wrong impressions from the paragraph, if published, and I hope therefore you
will not fail to leave it out.
I had a letter from Hibben yesterday. He thinks Tillinghast
may be fully relied on. But he must have a seat next Townshend & Morse.
I do wish I could see you and have a talk. Can't you come
down say Friday night & spend Saturday & Sunday: returning
Monday?
SOURCE: Annual Report of the American Historical Association
for the Year 1902, Vol. 2, p. 161-2
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