Port Royal, [va.], December 17, 1839.
Dear Hunter: The
mail rider brings us the news this morning that you are elected Speaker, and
the first information which the papers contain, gives credence to the report. I
am more elated and delighted than you can possibly be, for you may be somewhat
depressed in thinking of the responsibility you undertake. I suppose now it
will be more than ever becoming in you to say nothing about your preferences
for president. You undertake in assuming the seat to act impartially, and you
have a better chance of doing so whilst untrammelled by pledges to either
party. The people too will think a neutral position dignified and becoming in a
Speaker, which they would not tolerate in an ordinary member. I sometimes fear
that Calhouns friends may run him against Van Buren at [the] next election, if
they do, Harrison will certainly be elected. As an original question I should
prefer Calhoun, but the only way to make him President is to wait till Van's
eight years expire. I enclose a letter I had written yesterday, I do not give
to Mr. Speaker the advice I gave to Mr. Hunter. You will excuse,
I am sure my familiar mode of addressing you, as you know it does not proceed
from want of the respect.
SOURCE: Charles Henry Ambler, Editor, Annual Report
of the American Historical Association for the Year 1916 in Two Volumes, Volume
II, Correspondence of Robert M. T. Hunter 1826-1876, p. 30-1
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